Image Courtesy of James Arthur Jemison
The Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) is thrilled to introduce James Arthur Jemison as its new Executive Director. Known as Arthur to many, Jemison is a highly experienced leader with remarkable urban planning, community development, and affordable housing background. With close to thirty years of expertise and proven leadership, Jemison’s appointment is pivotal for the Commission as it acknowledges the imperative for transformative organizational reforms to enhance its support for residents, properties, and communities.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with our tenants and the Commission’s staff and partners like HUD to improve the quality of life in Detroit and for all the people and communities we impact,” said Jemison.
Jemison has built a remarkable career over the past three decades as a creative and accomplished leader in public-private development. His wealth of experience spans planning, development, and promoting affordable housing.
Throughout his career, he has impacted many communities by utilizing his expertise to cultivate fair and welcoming atmospheres in urban areas like Detroit, Washington, D.C., and Boston. His dedication to collaborating with residents has resulted in developing dynamic and enduring city spaces that genuinely represent the varied requirements and ambitions of the individuals who reside in these urban centers.
Prior to his new role, Jemison served as the Chief of Planning for the City of Boston and Director of the Boston Planning & Development Agency. In the past, Jemison served as President Biden’s nominee to become Assistant Secretary of Public and Indian Housing in 2021.
Additionally, he was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where he led the Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) from 2021 to 2022.
Richard Hosey, the President of DHC’s Board, showed his excitement for the new leadership and expressed gratitude for having Irene Tucker as COO, who is ready to carry on the problem-solving and development of DHC as the Interim CEO.
“Her leadership allowed us to search for a dynamic candidate who not only knows and loves Detroit but also brings national and local experience to lead the team to new heights. Getting Arthur back to the City in this role at this crucial time for DHC is a big win for the Housing Commission and affordable housing in Detroit. We look forward to the incredible work he and Irene will do,” Hosey said.
Jemison’s extensive experience includes a notable tenure with the City of Detroit, where he was founding Director of the Housing and Revitalization Department, Chief of Services and Infrastructure, and later became Group Executive for Planning, Housing, and Development.
Jemison was instrumental in projects like Michigan Central Station, the Stellantis expansion, the launch of the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, and what is now the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund.
Jemison has led or partnered with the leaders of the Housing and Revitalization Department, the Planning and Development Department, the Detroit Land Bank Authority, and the Bridging Neighborhoods program, among other departments. Recruited by Mayor Michael Duggan in early 2014, Jemison played a critical role in Detroit’s recovery from bankruptcy, managing municipal housing policy and HUD entitlement funding.
Before his contributions to Detroit, Jemison held a series of leadership and staff positions in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the private sector firm GLC Development Resources in Boston, and the District of Columbia.
Jemison holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Master of City Planning degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
He received a 2021 Spirit of Detroit Award, the 2016 Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence Award, and the 2013 Robert Larson Public Policy Award for Workforce Housing from the Urban Land Institute.
Mayor Duggan, believes in Jemison’s abilities and that Arthur was an outstanding leader for the City’s housing department. Duggan also thinks that Jemison will continue to excel in his new role at the Detroit Housing Commission.
“He knows the issues Housing Commission residents face daily and will bring them real change,” Duggan said.
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