ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Revitalizing Detroit Through Strategic Land Management and Community Empowerment
In this episode, we sit down with Tammy Daniels, Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Land Bank Authority, to discuss how her leadership is transforming Detroit's landscape from blight to beauty through innovative property programs and community-centered solutions. When Tammy joined the Land Bank in 2015, Detroit's neighborhoods were "decimated" with over 100,000 parcels in inventory and 45,000-47,000 demolition candidates. Through strategic partnerships with federal and city partners, her team has demolished over 15,000 structures and reduced demolition candidates to under 1,400.
Tammy shares how programs like Auction and Own It Now, Nuisance Abatement, Rehab and Ready, Side Lot, and Neighborhood Lot have been instrumental in eliminating blight and returning properties to productive use. Her personal connection to Detroit—having grown up in thriving neighborhoods—motivates her mission to restore the city to its former glory while empowering current residents. These efforts have contributed to significant increases in Black homeowner wealth in Detroit, as documented by recent University of Michigan studies, with the Land Bank facilitating growth in property values across every neighborhood.
Beyond property management, Tammy reveals the challenges of community engagement and maintaining positive relationships while handling 80,000 customer interactions annually. As a Black woman in leadership, she brings unique perspective and empathy to address community frustrations while advocating for solutions. Her advice for aspiring leaders, especially Black women, centers on not waiting for positions to become available before demonstrating leadership skills and "writing your own story" by viewing every opportunity as a chance to add a new chapter to your career journey.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- How the Detroit Land Bank reduced demolition candidates from 45,000+ to under 1,400 through strategic partnerships
- The impact of programs like Side Lot and Neighborhood Lot on expanding Detroit residents' property ownership
- Why every Detroit neighborhood has seen tremendous property value growth through Land Bank initiatives
- How the Land Bank's work has contributed to increased Black homeowner wealth according to University of Michigan research
- Tammy's strategies for managing 80,000+ annual customer interactions while maintaining community trust
- Her approach to community engagement that accounts for diverse technological literacy levels
- Leadership advice for women, especially Black women, on demonstrating skills before positions become available
Learn how strategic land management and community empowerment are transforming Detroit's neighborhoods from blight to beauty. Tune in now!
RESOURCES
- Detroit Land Bank Authority
- Detroit Land Bank Auction Programs
