Emily Loomis, Priya Ramakrishnan, Ezra Royce, Muyao Zhou
Detroit’s severe lack of canopy cover is extremely concerning. While this is a problem for all of Detroit, much of the burden falls on the black community within the city. Through decades of racist legislation (redlining and segregation), Detroit’s black residents were restricted in their mobility while white residents fled the city and county. Racist loan practices also resulted in far less black homeowners. Today more than 50% of all Detroiters rent, and the median value of an owned home is only 50k (100k lower than the Michigan average). Through years of neglect and discriminatory policy, Detroit has fallen behind. It is the 7th fastest shrinking city in the U.S. and is in need of major rejuvenation. We believe this begins with canopy cover: Trees for all people!
Once-redlined areas (grades C & D) are far more likely to be occupied by black residents today. It is not by chance that these areas are also far less covered by tree canopy. These areas are more likely to have fewer trees, more impervious surfaces and higher urban temperatures. The subjugation of black residents through segregation and racist loan policies has clearly and severely impacted Detroit’s black residents disproportionately. These areas need substantial change and government attention. We aim to address these disparities in canopy cover via our proposed legislation because trees are for all people. Our proposed legislation aims to reforest Detroit’s abundance of vacant lots. A small tax on the auto industry, which is still very prevalent in the city, will provide funding for these efforts. A new department, the Detroit Arboreal Committee will hire tree stewards from within their respective districts to plant, maintain and promote trees in Detroit.
