Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s Efforts to Eliminate Vacant Homes Show Significant Progress
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is highlighting the success of a key initiative as he nears the end of his term: the removal of vacant homes in the city. In 2014, Detroit had a staggering 47,000 abandoned homes in its land bank inventory, a number that has now dropped to less than 1,000.
Over the past 12 years, approximately 27,000 vacant homes have been demolished, and another 19,000 have been sold to rehabbers. City officials anticipate clearing the land bank’s inventory of homes by 2026, marking a significant milestone in the revitalization efforts.
The total cost of the program exceeded $500 million, with funding sourced from federal Hardest Hit Funds and a voter-approved bond measure known as Proposal N. Duggan described the initiative as a “historically successful blight removal effort” that has transformed numerous Detroit neighborhoods positively.
According to Duggan, the program has contributed to reducing crime rates and boosting property values for long-time Detroit residents. While the endeavor has been praised for its impact, it has also faced scrutiny and controversy, including several scandals.
One issue involved contractors using contaminated soil at demolition sites, prompting remediation efforts by the city. Duggan assured that every affected property had been addressed, and actions were taken against the responsible parties. He emphasized the city’s commitment to thorough testing and soil removal at suspected sites.
As Mayor Duggan concludes his third term, he is setting his sights on a gubernatorial bid for Michigan as an Independent candidate, continuing his public service at the state level.
