Local planners and code enforcement officiers prioritize specific code enforcement issues

The Eight Mile Boulevard Association (8MBA) organized 16 jurisdictions along the Eight Mile corridor in Detroit to participate in the second round of the Partnerships for Change Program. The Eight Mile Boulevard Association is a nonprofit organization charged with revitalizing and promoting a 27-mile stretch of 8 Mile Road between I-275 and I-94.

The Eight Mile Boulevard Association has worked extensively across jurisdictional boundaries on several projects to dramatically improve the appearance of Eight Mile Road, including the installation of 24 perennial gardens and distinctive city identification signs, recognizing and presenting beautification awards, and holding an annual cleanup program.

During Partnerships for Change, the project partners established a "Corridor Keeper" program to educate and support building code and zoning ordinances that help the aesthetic character of Eight Mile Boulevard. This is an education and enforcement program designed to improve the effectiveness of building maintenance codes and relevant land-use ordinances to enhance the appearance and business climate along the Eight Mile corridor.

Update: The Eight Mile Boulevard Association was able to secure a grant from the Community Foundation of Southwest Michigan to establish the Corridor Keeper Program (and hire a Corridor Keeper, at right). This project has helped raise awareness about the harmful effects of blight along the corridor. This project has also led property owners to become more vested in their (and their neighbors) property. Due to its success, the Corridor Keeper concept has been adopted by other such boulevard/neighborhood groups within the City of Detroit