Joe Louis Greenway Neighborhood Planning Study
The Joe Louis Greenway is a recreational pathway that will unify Detroit’s neighborhoods, people and parks. Through this greenway, we strive to honor Joe Louis by providing equitable spaces through arts, programming, and economic opportunities for all. This Neighborhood Planning Study is not about the greenway itself. It is about making sure the greenway benefits the neighboring communities, building upon the vision for inclusive growth and economic opportunity identified in the previously completed Joe Louis Greenway Framework Plan.
To achieve our goals, the study must:
Creatively engage residents, business owners, and key stakeholders.
Understand the opportunity in both scale and potential scope.
Develop detailed action plans and policies that shape equitable growth and support existing residents and businesses.
JLG Planning Area
This study assessed roughly a half mile on either side of the greenway route and further refined engagement and recommendations in five targeted neighborhood areas adjacent to the Joe Louis Greenway.
The Planning Process
The Planning Study was a two-year community planning process with residents and stakeholders concluded in September 2024. Public engagement comprised of both city-wide and neighborhood focused meetings, held virtually and in-person. Additional small group conversations were hosted by the Community Leadership Team, including neighborhood Move & Talks and On-site Housing Discussions.
The Final Plan
Each neighborhood area has Neighborhood Playbook that identifies recommendations for investments and improvements unique to the needs and opportunities of that place. See links below for individual Joe Louis Greenway Planning Study Playbooks
JLG Westside
JLG Northwest
JLG Northeast
JLG Dequindre Extension
JLG Southwest
These strategies are shaped by an overall evaluation of the Joe Louis Greenway investment which can be found in the Executive Summary that identifies policies and programs needed to maximize the positive impact of the greenway and promote equity.
The JLG Neighborhood Planning Study Executive Summary (Stay Tuned for Release in Jan 2025)
