Healthy Neighborhoods for a Healthy Detroit

Detroit Community-Academic Urban Research Center conducted a health impact assessment to inform the Detroit Future City’s Strategic Framework, a plan to guide land use planning for the city.

The HIA addressed the potential impact on high-vacancy neighborhoods of the framework’s proposals for public lighting and blight removal. The report presented evidence-based recommendations to minimize risks and maximize benefits for health, including adopting responsible demolition standards, producing and preserving affordable housing and protections for homeowners and renters, and requiring that large-scale development proposals feature plans and resources to promote healthy neighborhoods and equity.