At City Institute, our Learning Journeys bring together leaders from across the country to explore how Detroit communities are shaping the city’s future – and celebrities are no different.
Last year, we had the opportunity to host award-winning musician John Legend, who visited Detroit with the Brookings Institution as part of a Learning Journey focused on community land ownership and neighborhood-driven development.
Throughout the tour, Legend was engaged, curious, and eager to learn from Detroit leaders working on the ground. Like many of our tour guests, he was particularly interested in how Detroit communities are experimenting with models that prioritize local ownership and long-term neighborhood stability.
The Learning Journey highlighted several organizations leading this work and demonstrating how community-centered development can strengthen neighborhoods while creating opportunities for residents.
Itinerary Stops
Oakland Avenue Urban Farm
A community-based urban agriculture project in Detroit’s North End focused on food sovereignty, land stewardship, and economic opportunity.
Live6 Corridor
A neighborhood revitalization effort along Livernois Avenue centered on supporting local businesses, stabilizing housing, and ensuring investment benefits longtime residents.
Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation
A nationally recognized model for community-led development, working to strengthen Detroit neighborhoods through housing stabilization, public space improvements, and strong resident engagement.