Equitable Development

The Equitable Development Series explores how Detroit can grow in a way that allows people of all races, classes, and abilities to participate and benefit. The series includes stories published here in Model D as well as public events starting in August.

D4’s Equitable Development Series in partnership with Model D is made possible thanks to generous support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Knight Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation.

Former President and CEO Christi Coady Narayanan speaks at one of Opp Fund's anniversary events. Courtesy photo.

OppFund looks back on impact with 40th anniversary; new leadership looks to continue legacy

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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July 9, 2025

For more than 35 years, Christi Coady Narayanan led the transformative work of the Opportunity Resource Fund (OppFund), as the President and CEO of the nonprofit community development financial institution. She retired last month, passing the torch to the new President and CEO Byna Elliott, to continue the organization’s unwavering commitment and innovation in empowering individuals, businesses, and communities all over the state.

The Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center offers permanent supportive housing for LGBTQ+ youth who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“There can’t just be one approach”: Detroit pursues innovative solutions to housing crisis

By Patrick Dunn

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Community Development

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February 24, 2025

We checked in with three organizations that are rethinking how to develop and expand access to housing in Detroit.

Detroit entrepreneurs encourage residents to shop small for the holidays

By Monique Bedford

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Community Development

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October 31, 2023

From vegan baked goods to skincare products to All Things Detroit, the holiday season is a time for the city's small businesses to shine. Here are three local gems you should know about, and how they find support from entrepreneurial applifiers in Detroit.

“Elevate Your Voice” Entrepreneur Spotlight: Ruth Williams

By Chrishelle Griffin

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Economic Development

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October 31, 2023

"My father was the first Black entrepreneur to establish multiple businesses in the same area, back in 1945," says Harrison Liquor owner Ruth Williams. "So we also thought it was really a great opportunity to open another family business in the community."

“Elevate Your Voice” Entrepreneur Spotlight: Doudou Kane

By Chrishelle Griffin

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Economic Development

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October 24, 2023

"Right now, the business is good for the community. Everybody's supportive," says Doudou Kane of the Inkster family-owned and operated KG’s African-American Grill. "The business is booming."

“Elevate Your Voice” Entrepreneur Spotlight: Shadia Amen

By Chrishelle Griffin

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Economic Development

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October 24, 2023

"I'm learning, as a business owner and entrepreneur, you have to do that in order to get where you need to go, take out your loans, look for extra capital," says Shadia Amen. Her Dearborn photography business is steadily growing, and she has advice for others.

“Elevate Your Voice” Entrepreneur Spotlight: Que Shebley

By Chrishelle Griffin

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Economic Development

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October 19, 2023

"My father was an entrepreneur," says Que Shebley, founder of the brand by the same name, based in Dearborn, Michigan. "He owned small footwear specialty shops in the Middle East, and I always wanted to continue that journey, but bring a more modern approach to the new, modern shopper."

Growing a movement: How a young Detroit dance studio stays on its feet

By Kahn Santori Davison

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Economic Development

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September 19, 2023

When three Detroit women joined forces to open a dance studio at the tail end of the pandemic, they were immediately swamped with enrollments. Since then, they've navigated challenges with community support and small business grants, making a name for themselves.

Partner Partner Content From Traverse City to Indiana: How Build Institute programming reaches farther than just Detroit

By Sarah Spohn

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Community Development

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August 15, 2023

“Organizations like Build help level the playing field,” says CEO of Economic Impact Catalyst David Ponraj. Although its headquarters are in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, Build Institute’s reach is much wider, providing models of how to uplift microentrepreneurs across Northern Michigan, and even out-of-state in places like Indiana.

ONA is currently fixing up these duplexes on Mapleridge.

Renovations underway at innovative housing development in Osborn; should be wrapped by end of year

By MJ Galbraith

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Development News

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August 8, 2023

“By providing ownership opportunities and affordable rental housing, the Mapleridge duplex project is enhancing generational wealth and household stability for the Osborn neighborhood," says Julie Schneider, director of the City of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department.