News Summary

Detroit faces a significant affordable housing crisis, with only 900 of the targeted 2,000 new units constructed by 2023. Despite ongoing projects and local initiatives, over 46,000 additional affordable units are required to meet the demands of residents currently struggling to afford housing. Advocates, alongside mayoral candidates, emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to enhance housing availability, as rising rents and inadequate support threaten long-term residents and vulnerable populations.

Detroit’s Affordable Housing Crisis: Progress and Shortfalls Amid Growing Demand

Detroit authorities initiated a commitment in 2018 to construct 2,000 multi-family affordable housing units by 2023. However, as of the beginning of 2023, the city has only delivered approximately 900 new units. Presently, over 1,400 additional units are under construction, but a recent report highlights a stark reality: the city is lacking at least 46,000 affordable housing units to adequately address its ongoing housing crisis.

This housing shortage is particularly concerning since more than 82,000 households in Detroit are currently spending over 30% of their income on housing, alongside those facing homelessness. The deficit figure also considers 37,000 pre-planned or existing affordable units, illustrating the daunting gap between demand and supply.

Current Initiatives and Incentives

To alleviate the crisis, affordable housing advocates are pushing for local financial incentives designed to motivate developers to build low-income housing. Among those addressing the issue is mayoral candidate Rev. Solomon Kinloch, who emphasizes the dire need for quality affordable housing and plans to prioritize this issue if elected.

In a tragic incident earlier this year, the deaths of two children due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a van underscored the growing urgency for adequate housing options in the city. In response to the housing challenges, the Duggan administration has expanded its Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) ordinance. This initiative encourages developers to construct affordable housing by allowing them to contribute a percentage of rental revenue instead of traditional property taxes. Currently, the PILOT program has received 74 completed applications with another 106 pending, streamlining processes for developers.

Mayor Mike Duggan reported that the city has managed to build or preserve around $1 billion in affordable housing units over the past five years. Despite these efforts, it is estimated that an additional $1 billion is necessary to prevent long-time residents from being displaced due to rising rents.

Aiming for Greater Change

In his campaign, Kinloch has proposed the creation of an affordable housing task force aimed at generating 10,000 new affordable units, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to meet the city’s housing demands. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines affordable housing as housing that costs no more than 30% of a household’s income, which is crucial for the survival of many residents.

Detroit’s capital agenda for 2024 to 2027 includes several projects focused on creating affordable housing units. One notable initiative is the Preserve on Ash project located in Corktown. This development will feature 69 mixed-income units, with 48 designated as affordable housing. Rents for these units will be set between $399 and $903 for one-bedroom apartments, depending on income levels. Corktown has been identified as a region particularly in need of affordable housing amid ongoing revitalization efforts and climbing rents.

The Broader Picture

Despite initiatives and projects underway, the Detroit Housing Authority has drawn criticism for its delayed follow-up responses to families seeking assistance. This inadequacy has contributed to cases like that of the family affected by the early 2023 tragedy. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city now stands at $1,314 per month, consuming approximately 41% of the median household income, which was just over $38,000 in 2023.

While overall homelessness numbers in Detroit have seen a dip, the report highlights a worrying trend of increased unsheltered individuals, emphasizing a gap in support and resources available for vulnerable populations. An escalating demand for subsidized affordable housing is evident as restrictions on rental properties tighten, making it more challenging for low-income families to find suitable accommodations.

Furthermore, the community land trust initiative is gaining traction, having secured resources to ensure the availability of affordable housing that remains permanently affordable. Projects like the Russell Woods Senior Living Community also aim to specifically cater to the housing needs of seniors, offering affordable units for residents aged 62 and older.

The combination of efforts, projects, and proposed initiatives underscores a critical moment for Detroit as it grapples with the pressing necessity for affordable housing solutions amid changing economic realities.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Detroit City Council Allocates Funds for Community Land Trust
Detroit Struggles to Meet Affordable Housing Goals
Detroit’s Neighborhoods Shine in 2025 Revitalization
Michigan Pastors Back Mike Duggan for Governor
Tragedy in Detroit: Children Die from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Detroit Mayoral Candidates Focus on Economic Development and Education
Detroit Mayoral Race Candidates Present Plans at Forum
Detroit’s Mayoral Race Intensifies at Candidate Forum
Detroit Gears Up for a Heartwarming Gala at the Historic Book Tower
Fred Durhal III Announces Mayoral Candidacy for Detroit

Additional Resources

• Detroit News: Affordable Housing Shortage Pilot Ordinance
• Crain’s Detroit: Senior Affordable Housing Breaks Ground
• Planetizen: Detroit Launches Community Land Trust
• The Conversation: Detroit’s Lack of Affordable Housing
• Detroit Free Press: District Detroit Cancels Affordable Housing Plan
• Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
• Google Search: Detroit Affordable Housing
• Google Scholar: Detroit Affordable Housing
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing
• Google News: Detroit Affordable Housing