Joe Louis Greenway Neighborhood Planning Study

Fighting for Inclusive Growth.

The Process: The Joe Louis Greenway (JLG) is one of Detroit’s most ambitious infrastructure investments, connecting more than 25 neighborhoods. But this plan isn’t just about the trail itself—it’s about what happens around it. Our team worked over two years to develop a strategy that ensures the generational investment in the greenway benefits those who live nearby. Through over 40 public events, including tours, small group discussions, and a vacant land summit, we focused on understanding community needs around housing, mobility, economic opportunity, and industry. The final plan resulted in five unique neighborhood playbooks and an overall guiding document outlining greenway opportunity areas and policy recommendations.

Results: Though just adopted in early 2025, the study is already shaping action: housing rehab and landlord repair programs are underway, zoning changes are being introduced to support residential infill, and new strategies for vacant land activation are being piloted. Tools developed during the planning process, like a GIS-based survey and detailed site recommendations, are informing industrial outreach, food truck policy, and phased affordable housing marketing. The plan has also helped secure new public and private funding, including a $30M Neighborhood Development Fund and a federal Choice Neighborhoods grant. As a living document, it’s guiding how investment, development, and policy align with a shared, community-driven vision.