AF-Detroit: Is Gentrification A Threat or Opportunity for Detroit? (Virtual)

November 16, 2020 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Virtual

Online, Digital,

Is gentrification a threat or opportunity for Detroit’s renaissance?

In Detroit, some critics of redevelopment oppose gentrification and consider it a threat towards the residents who have remained in Detroit during it’s most challenging economic times. However, some support new developments and argue that this will make the Motor City better, safer, and more attractive for investment.

Join AF-Detroit on Monday, Nov. 16th for a virtual discussion as we ask the question, is gentrification a threat or opportunity for Detroit residents? For this event, we’re excited to host two speakers on opposing sides of the issue, who will analyze and discuss the pros and cons.

This event will take place on Zoom. Please register on Eventbrite to receive the access link.

Read about the speakers below:

Peter D. Cummings has been active in real estate development and management since 1975. He is the founder of RAM, a leader in real estate investment, management and development, based in Palm Beach County and active throughout the Southeast. In 2015, he stepped down as chairman of RAM to create The Platform and dedicated the next chapter of his career to helping rebuild the city through creating new housing and retail developments. He was educated at Yale University and the University of Toronto with a Master of English Literature. He has also completed the Owner & President Management Program at the Harvard Business School.

Sonya S. Mays joined the Housing Partnership Network in April 2015 as President and CEO of Develop Detroit – a newly formed real estate and housing development company focused on the revitalization of Detroit neighborhoods. Prior to joining the Emergency Manager’s team, Ms. Mays was a Vice President in the Global Industrials Group within Deutsche Bank’s Corporate & Investment Bank Division in New York City. Ms. Mays provided capital markets expertise and M&A advisory services to large US and global automotive and construction products companies. Her transaction experience includes United Technologies’ 2010 $1.8 billion acquisition of GE Security and Martin Marietta’s unsolicited $4.9 billion takeover bid for Vulcan Materials.

Ms. Mays received all of her degrees from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Anthropology, a Juris Doctor and a Masters in Business Administration with emphasis on finance and corporate strategy. She is admitted to practice law in New York.

Moderator: Brandon Brice serves as Detroit Chapter Leader for America’s Future. Brandon has worked on Capitol Hill in the Office of former U.S. Speaker J. Dennis Hastert. Brandon later was appointed as Director of Education Affairs in the Office of former New Jersey Governor, Hon. Chris J. Christie. Brandon serves as Board President for Advantage Health of Detroit and is a member of the American Enterprise Institute, Leadership Detroit and the Michigan Political Leadership Program.