1. Poverty Solutions convenes panel on youth-led rapid rehousing in Detroit

    University of Michigan Poverty Solutions and the Detroit Phoenix Center produced a documentary — Rapid Rehousing Designed By Youth, For Youth — and hosted a screening and panel that discussed the future of youth homelessness response in Detroit.


  2. Natalie Sampson named Distinguished Professor of the Year

    The associate professor of public health talks about her sometimes uncomfortable relationship with academia, the politics of community-centered research and the challenge of getting today’s students to talk in class.

  3. Thompson launches The Common Wealth podcast for Community Enterprise Clinic to explore urban issues

    A new podcast from the Community Enterprise Clinic (CEC) highlights work being done by the clinic’s clients as well as issues they and others face in community building. Called The Common Wealth, the podcast is produced and hosted by Professor Dana Thompson, ’99, the director of the CEC and an expert on community economic development and urban revitalization issues. 

    1. U-M SEAS Detroit Sustainability Clinic opens in downtown Detroit

      Since its launch in late 2021, the Detroit Sustainability Clinic has led a total of 20 collaborative projects in partnership with SEAS faculty, students, and local community and government partners.

    2. U-M to lease UMCI residential building

      With nearly 235,000 square feet, 13 floors and 313 units, the residential tower will be constructed adjacent to the UMCI building at the corner of Columbia Street and Cass Avenue. UMCI will lease the tower, expected to be completed in 2028, for an initial term of 40 years. 

    3. Detroit voters have an opportunity to pick a mayor who will ease zoning, improve transit and protect long-term residents

      “Helping Detroit residents improve their neighborhoods will be an important task for the city’s next mayor,” writes Brian Connolly, assistant professor of business law.

    4. New partnership leads to credits — and confidence

      Thanks to a dual-enrollment partnership between Detroit Public Schools Community District and UM-Dearborn, the Cass Tech High School students began as Dearborn Wolverines last fall, working on college credits and toward a certificate.

    5. U-M, Detroit build community ties via seven new programs

      The 2025 Engage Detroit Workshops grant program, now in its fourth year, has chosen seven new projects for funding.

    6. Poverty Solutions research assistant leads with heritage, community to enrich research

      Nahiely Reza knew her fluency in Spanish could be an asset to her work at Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan. But she didn’t anticipate some of the ways the language would open up new connections with the communities engaged in the research.