Housing & Homeownership
WHY WE ARE DOING IT
High-quality, affordable housing has to be a cornerstone of Detroit’s resurgence. Developers must feel comfortable and welcome doing business in the city. This means that we will have to streamline the red tape of city bureaucracy and seriously pursue property tax reform. We will also ensure that developers take part in Detroit’s focus on affordability. Beyond development, renters must be able to rely on landlords who are compliant and supported by the City. Homeownership must be encouraged with real support to foster generational wealth.
WHAT WE WILL DO
We will address housing affordability, property taxes, and homeownership for Detroiters by creating new, dedicated resources for renters and homeowners. This comprehensive strategy will include increasing housing stability and creating generational wealth for Detroiters by:
Working to put Detroiters on a pathway to homeownership
Working with the State Legislature in Lansing to address structural property tax reform
Working to expand grant opportunities for home repair
FIRST 100 DAYS:
ESTABLISH THE OFFICE OF HOMEOWNERSHIP AND HOUSING RIGHTS
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
Detroit cannot be a World Class City without fully addressing housing insecurity, increasing economic mobility for low-income families, or guaranteeing that Detroiter’s basic needs are addressed. Our commitment is to ensure that, in partnership with community members, one City Department creates and oversees the offices, programs, and policies that confront these issues daily. We will ensure that transparency, accountability, and outcomes for long-forgotten Detroit residents are guaranteed through this new, dedicated capacity.
Homeowners must have access to resources to reduce the cost of homeownership, including home repair and property tax relief.
Renters must receive education to understand their rights, guidance to find compliant landlords and supports to hold bad landlords accountable. Instead of expecting Detroiters to endlessly search for these resources, we will create a one-stop-shop for policies, programs and advocates to support renters and to make the dream of homeownership an affordable reality.