(Hip Hop Hooray)

Vicki Hamilton-Allen talks with Jermaine R. Ruffin, Director of Development for the City of Detroit and an unrelenting advocate for inclusive Urban Planning and champion for the greater presence of Black, Indigenous, and communities of color in its practice. They discuss Urban Planning and how to affect social change through intentional design of the built environment and how humans interact with that space. Ruffin is also the founder and host of The Streets are Planning Podcast where he discusses urban planning, cities, hip hop culture, and community development with his guests. The Streets are Planning highlights the unheard voices, stories, and impact of community leaders working in cities and neighborhoods across the globe. www.thestreetsareplanning.com/

Listen below to Vicki Hamilton-Allen and Jermaine Ruffin discuss Urban Planning and how to affect social change.

About Jermaine R. Ruffin

Jermaine Ruffin, Associate Director of Equitable Planning & Development - City of Detroit, Housing & Revitalization Department holds a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning degree from the University of Michigan-Taubman College. Jermaine was recently the Director of Development for the West Region of the City of Detroit in the Public-Private Partnership Office. As Director of Development, he was responsible for the implementation of strategic neighborhood plans with a specific focus on residential/commercial real estate revitalization and affordable housing options. In February 2021 he assumed the role of Associate Director of Equitable Planning & Development. He is an active member of several national and state community/economic development organizations. Jermaine also Hosts the Streets are Planning Podcast where he discusses a wide range of issues impacting neighborhoods and cities across the world.