Our Programs: Improving Quality of Life in Southwest Detroit
The Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition (SW Detroit CBC) works to secure and implement programs that address the environmental, health, and quality of life impacts of heavy industry and major infrastructure projects, like the Gordie Howe International Bridge (GHIB). Our work is rooted in resident voices, community-led science, and accountability for a cleaner, healthier, and safer Detroit.
Addressing Traffic & Pollution
We champion initiatives to reduce truck traffic in residential areas and mitigate the resulting noise and air quality issues across the city.
Trucks Off Our Streets (TOOS) Coalition
- A Citywide Movement for Cleaner Air and Safer Streets: The TOOS Coalition is a Detroit-wide alliance working to significantly reduce residential truck traffic and industrial pollution. We empower residents and partners to advocate for truck route solutions and hold decision-makers accountable for public health and environmental policies.
- Key Work: Community-led truck counting, industrial monitoring, and mobilizing participation in public processes.
Trucks Off Our Streets: Air Monitoring
- Community Science in Action: As part of the TOOS Coalition, this program focuses on connecting residents, community organizations, and the University of Michigan to conduct community-led truck counts and industrial air monitoring. The data gathered informs our advocacy for policy changes to protect residents’ health from diesel emissions and fugitive dust.
Gordie Howe International Bridge (GHIB) Benefits
The SW Detroit CBC was instrumental in securing $45 million in community benefits to reduce the negative impacts of the GHIB project. These programs focus on direct support for the most affected residents.
I-75 Mitigation & Home Swap Program
- Cleaner, Quieter, and Safer Homes: We partnered with the City of Detroit’s Bridging Neighborhoods program to support residents affected by I-75 construction and increased diesel traffic. Eligible homes received noise and air quality mitigations, including updated windows, HVAC systems, air filters, and insulation.
- Key Role: Ensuring affected residents were informed, supported, and heard throughout the implementation of the Mitigation and Home Swap programs.
GHIB Health Impact Assessment (HIA)
- Tracking Health in the Bridge Area: This collaborative effort documents the baseline air quality and health conditions in the bridge area using data collected between 2016–2018. The HIA is a foundational tool that allows us to track future environmental and health changes as bridge operations begin, guiding strategies to protect our community.
- Goal: Establish a benchmark for monitoring the impact of increased traffic and industrial activity related to the GHIB.
Planning for the Future
We actively participate in planning initiatives to ensure the voices of residents shape the future development of Southwest Detroit neighborhoods.
Delray Neighborhood Framework Plan
- Guiding Delray’s Development: This framework plan provides a guide for the future development of the Delray neighborhood, rooted in extensive community outreach conducted from 2019 to 2021.
- Community Priorities: The plan highlights key priorities identified by residents, including environmental health mitigation, addressing trucking routes and buffering around industrial areas, and increasing green space and job opportunities.