Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Linda Little, President & CEO, NSO, Detroit’s Neighborhood Service Organization, Detroit, MI.
Hear Linda and Jeffrey discuss how affordable housing drives workforce growth, business investment, and stronger Southeast Michigan communities in the SoundCloud podcast shared below:
Jeffrey had several questions for Linda in this conversation:
- Affordable housing is often discussed as a social issue, but it also has major economic implications. From a business perspective, why should employers, developers, and community leaders be paying close attention to this conversation?
- Detroit and Southeast Michigan continue to attract investment and redevelopment projects. How important is housing availability and affordability to sustaining that economic growth and attracting talent?
- The summit brings together developers, nonprofits, educators, policymakers, and business leaders. What are some of the most promising partnerships or collaborative approaches that can help increase housing supply while keeping it affordable?
- Many organizations are struggling with rising construction costs, financing challenges, and limited housing inventory. What practical solutions do you expect summit participants to discuss for overcoming those barriers?
- Looking ahead, what would success look like coming out of this summit, and what actions can the business community take to help create more housing opportunities across Detroit and Southeast Michigan?
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WCCCD, NSO Hosting Hometown Summit: A Vision For Affordable Housing, July 1 in Detroit
Featuring keynote from former HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, the free event brings together policymakers, developers, nonprofits, and community leaders to advance solutions for the future of housing in Detroit and beyond
DETROIT, Mich. — Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) and Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) will host Hometown Summit: A Vision for Affordable Housing on Wednesday, July 1, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at WCCCD’s Northwest Campus, 8200 Outer Drive West in Detroit. The event will bring together regional leaders to address one of Detroit’s most pressing challenges — ensuring access to safe, stable and affordable housing.
The solutions-focused summit will feature keynote remarks from Marcia L. Fudge, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and will convene decision-makers from government, housing development, education, philanthropy, the nonprofit sector and community organizations to discuss practical strategies for expanding housing opportunities across the region.
Hosted by WCCCD and NSO, the event is designed to foster collaboration among legislators, developers, advocates, nonprofits, funders, landlords, courts, service providers and residents committed to building a stronger housing ecosystem for Detroit and Southeast Michigan.
“Affordable housing is not just a housing issue — it is a foundation for economic mobility, public health, educational success and community stability,” said Linda Little, president and CEO of Neighborhood Service Organization. “This summit is about bringing the right voices to the table who can move beyond discussion and toward meaningful action. By convening leaders from every sector, we can identify solutions that strengthen neighborhoods, support families and create lasting pathways to housing stability.”
The summit will begin with welcome remarks from Little and Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, chancellor of Wayne County Community College District, followed by the keynote address from Secretary Fudge.
Programming will include three panel discussions examining affordable housing from multiple perspectives:
The Vision — A discussion focused on the future of affordable housing and its role in regional growth and success. The session will be moderated by Little and Adam Hollier, former Michigan State Senator, and will feature Secretary Fudge and other regional leaders.
The Reality – Titled “Can We Sustain the Housing Market?” this panel will explore practical challenges facing the housing sector, including construction costs, housing inventory, financing and development opportunities. Participants include representatives from the City of Detroit
Housing and Revitalization Department, the Real Estate Association of Developers (READ), the 36th District Court Landlord-Tenant Division, educational leaders, builders and funding organizations.
The Need – This discussion will examine housing instability and the barriers facing vulnerable populations, including youth aging out of foster care, families experiencing domestic violence, and residents navigating eviction and housing insecurity. Community advocates, faith leaders and housing experts will share perspectives on support systems and policy solutions.
“Affordable housing is one of the defining issues facing Detroit’s future,” said Hollier. “The challenges are complex, but they are not insurmountable. This event creates an opportunity for leaders across sectors to align around solutions that increase housing access, strengthen communities and ensure Detroit’s growth benefits everyone. We are honored to welcome Secretary Fudge and a diverse group of stakeholders who are committed to moving this conversation forward.”
Organizers say the summit comes at a critical time as Detroit continues to experience economic investment and neighborhood revitalization while many residents still face affordability challenges, limited housing inventory and barriers to long-term housing security.
The event is free and open to the public, though advance registration is encouraged due to limited seating.
Event Details
Hometown Summit: A Vision for Affordable Housing Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Time: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Lunch and networking begin at 11 a.m.) Location: Wayne County Community College District – Northwest Campus, 8200 Outer Drive West, Detroit, MI 48219 Cost: Free RSVP: For more information and to register, visit the event registration page.
About Neighborhood Service Organization Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) is a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to helping vulnerable individuals and families achieve stability through housing, behavioral health, homelessness prevention, youth services and community-based support programs.
About Wayne County Community College District Wayne County Community College District is Michigan’s largest urban community college district, providing accessible, high-quality educational opportunities and workforce development programs that strengthen individuals, families, and communities throughout Wayne County.
