After working in housing, planning and development for the state’s largest city, Arthur Jemison will lend his expertise to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
DETROIT—A member of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s team who worked in housing, planning and development and helped spearhead neighborhood revitalization has been appointed to the administration of President Joe Biden.
Arthur Jemison took the oath of office Wednesday as principal deputy assistant secretary in the Office of Community Planning & Development at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Duggan’s office said Thursday.
The Office of Community Planning & Development oversees more than $8 billion in federal block grant funding to cities and states for community development projects and disaster response.
“Detroit is quickly becoming a city where local, state and federal leaders nationally look to find talent, and Arthur has earned this incredible opportunity,” Duggan said in a press release on Thursday.
“Much of the redevelopment we are seeing in neighborhoods across the city are a direct result of his hard work, vision and leadership.”
Jemison issued his own press release to thank the city of Detroit.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the mayor, the cabinet, my staff, the city council, our partners in the community and, most of all, Detroiters for welcoming me and being such great partners in the work of building this city these past seven years,” read the release by the Massachusetts native.
“I am so proud of all we have accomplished working together in Detroit.”
In December, Biden announced that Democratic Ohio Congresswoman Marcia Fudge was his nominee as housing secretary.
Jemison began working with the city of Detroit in 2014; first, as the city’s director of housing and revitalization, eventually working his way up to the group executive role he recently vacated.
Tuesday was his last day as group executive for Housing, Planning and Development in Detroit. More than 1,000 units of affordable housing were preserved in Detroit under his leadership, according to the city.
Additionally, another 2,800 units of market and affordable housing were completed or began construction and more than $50 million in new grants and loans were raised for affordable housing.
Detroit Housing & Revitalization Director Donald Rencher will replace Jemison as group executive.
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