Detroit City Wire

Anika Goss has been recognized as a Black History Month honoree in the Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Game Changers series. This initiative, in partnership with Comerica Bank, the Detroit Red Wings, and Detroit Tigers, acknowledges individuals making significant contributions to the Detroit community. Each honoree receives a $1,000 grant for a charity of their choice.

Goss has been at the helm of Detroit Future City (DFC) since 2015. The organization is guided by its Strategic Framework, which aims to foster equity among Detroiters, particularly focusing on the city's majority Black and Brown population. "The idea of what we think of equity is actually creating the opportunity for economic growth and ability for Detroiters," Goss stated.

Despite increased investment in low-income housing and community amenities over the past decade, Goss emphasizes that sustainability will arise from nurturing mid-sized businesses within Detroit. "We have to be intentional about creating opportunities for higher wages, creating opportunities for growing small business and entrepreneurship," she said.

Progress is being observed in areas such as black home ownership and borrowing. "We're starting to see black borrowers grow," Goss noted.

Land use and conservancy are also key components of DFC's objectives. "We are really hoping to establish a Land Conservancy," Goss explained.

Additionally, Goss is involved in infrastructure projects like replacing I-375 with a surface road and capping I-75 to reconnect communities divided by freeways. These initiatives aim to address historical injustices from when neighborhoods were destroyed for freeway construction in the 1950s. "This was an investment they couldn’t easily, without intentionality, repeat the past harm from 1956," Goss remarked.

The Michigan Department of Transportation is taking a new approach by involving community input in these projects. "It’s a substantially different approach to infrastructure investment," said Goss.

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment expressed pride in recognizing Goss during Black History Month. Reflecting on this honor, Goss commented: "What an honor to be recognized... Being recognized for this effort helps to advance the work even further."