Detroit’s neighborhoods are the heart and soul of the city, places where families have built lives, children have grown, and communities have thrived. Yet, for some residents, like Yvonne Johnson of the 48204 zip code, there’s a stark contrast between the booming redevelopment in certain parts of Detroit and the neglect that persists in others. While the city celebrates progress through initiatives like the Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF), residents like Johnson are left wondering when their streets will see the same transformation.
“I’ve lived in 48204 for more than 40 years, and I don’t see any renewals or city improvements,” says Johnson. “We have no schools, parks, or playgrounds.” Her voice echoes the frustration of many long-term Detroiters who, despite years of asking for basic services like curbs and sidewalks, have seen little response from city leadership. The disparity is clear in neighborhoods like Johnson’s, where junk cars pile up and city services seem to stop at the boundaries of Joy Road and the I-96 freeway.
The third phase of the SNF, announced by Mayor Mike Duggan and Invest Detroit, brings hope for many neighborhoods. With a $40 million goal and $23 million already committed, this initiative seeks to build on the $262 million that was invested in commercial corridors, affordable housing, and parks across 10 areas in Detroit. But for residents like Johnson, this progress still feels distant. The SNF has made a significant impact in areas like Livernois-McNichols and Islandview, with new businesses and park upgrades, but it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure that no neighborhood is left behind.
The SNF was first launched in 2017 as a partnership between the City of Detroit, Invest Detroit, and a wide range of corporate and philanthropic funders. Together, these partners aimed to bring targeted, meaningful investment to areas of the city that had long been overlooked. “Thanks to Invest Detroit and our corporate and philanthropic partners, the first two rounds of SNF have spurred major development in 10 neighborhood clusters around the city,” said Mayor Duggan. He pointed to the affordable housing projects and revitalized parks that have transformed areas like Jefferson Chalmers and East Warren.
However, the stories of those like Johnson highlight the challenges that remain. “For the last three administrations, I’ve asked for curbs and sidewalks, and as of today’s writing, we don’t have either,” she shared. While other neighborhoods are seeing an influx of new businesses and infrastructure improvements, the 48204 community feels abandoned. “The city services seem to stop when it gets to this area,” Johnson added, emphasizing the growing frustration with the uneven distribution of city resources. This neglect leaves some wondering if the city’s focus on revitalization is pushing out long-standing residents, especially seniors who may lack the resources to fight back.
Despite the clear challenges, the city’s efforts through the SNF offer a model of what is possible. The newest phase of the fund includes significant contributions, with the Gilbert Family Foundation committing $15 million as part of their 10-year, $500 million commitment to Detroit. Other partners, like the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, have also stepped up with substantial donations to further the work of the SNF. “The heart of Detroit lies in its people, and we believe that by nurturing its neighborhoods, we’re investing in its future,” said Eric Phamdo of the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation. This investment has allowed Detroit to implement changes that reflect the needs and desires of the community, with a focus on affordable housing, commercial spaces, and parks that serve the people who live there.
The SNF works closely with residents to create neighborhood framework plans, ensuring that local voices guide the revitalization efforts. This collaboration has led to the development of projects that not only beautify neighborhoods but also preserve affordability and prevent displacement. Affordable housing projects, like The Ribbon on Bagley, and transformative upgrades to community parks, like Clark Park, are tangible examples of what these investments can achieve.
Still, residents like Johnson ask why their community continues to be overlooked. The $40 million goal of SNF Round 3 is ambitious, and much of the funding has already been raised, but without intentional focus on areas like 48204, it remains unclear whether this new phase will bring the needed change to those communities that feel left behind. The urgency in Johnson’s plea is not just about infrastructure—it’s about dignity, safety, and the right to thrive in the city they’ve called home for decades. “Please help us to live in the homes we purchased and not to be poisoned by the pollutants that the city is allowing in our neighborhood,” she said. Her words reflect a broader concern about environmental justice, as neglected areas often bear the brunt of pollution and decaying infrastructure.
As the SNF moves forward, the challenge lies in making sure that the benefits reach every corner of Detroit. There is no doubt that the first two phases have transformed many neighborhoods, and the third phase is poised to build on that success. But the focus must now shift to ensuring that this progress is equitable. “The Strategic Neighborhood Fund’s success spurring inclusive economic growth shows the transformative impact that can come from taking a highly-targeted and collaborative approach to neighborhood investment,” said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Gilbert Family Foundation. Grannemann’s words remind us that transformation is possible when communities, corporations, and philanthropies work together, but it must reach everyone.
The SNF’s holistic approach is designed to address multiple aspects of neighborhood revitalization. It’s not just about physical infrastructure but also about supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and fostering public spaces that serve the community. By investing in commercial corridors, affordable housing, and public parks, the SNF has created a model for inclusive growth. As it enters its third phase, the SNF plans to deepen its work in 10 neighborhoods across Detroit, focusing on areas like Russell Woods/Nardin Park and Warrendale/Cody-Rouge. This work will include continued real estate investment, Spark Grants for small businesses, and support for developers to ensure that projects move forward efficiently.
Yet, the disparities that residents like Johnson experience cannot be ignored. There is a need for more transparency and accountability to ensure that neighborhoods like 48204 are prioritized. The partnership between developers, city officials, and the community must remain strong, with an emphasis on protecting the interests of long-standing residents. As Anika Goss, CEO of Detroit Future City, noted, “We are seeing a demonstrable change in communities. Deep investment at the neighborhood level moves communities with blight and disinvestment to middle-class neighborhoods, growing wealth and opportunity for Detroiters.” But without consistent, equitable attention to all neighborhoods, some will continue to feel left behind.
Detroit is a city of resilience, shaped by the determination of its residents. As the third phase of the SNF unfolds, there is hope that this new investment will finally reach those who have been waiting the longest. Yvonne Johnson’s story is one of many, but it serves as a powerful reminder that revitalization must include everyone. As Detroit moves forward, the city’s leaders must ensure that progress isn’t just about beautifying select areas but about creating a city where every neighborhood has a chance to thrive.
The Strategic Neighborhood Fund represents a vital opportunity to build a stronger, more inclusive Detroit. It’s about investing in the people who have kept the city alive through its most challenging times. As the SNF grows, so must its commitment to equity, ensuring that residents like Yvonne Johnson finally see the change they’ve long been promised.
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