Anika Goss-Foster is a prominent figure in Detroit’s community development scene, known for her work as the Chief Executive Officer at Detroit Future City (DFC). Under her leadership, DFC has played a vital role in the revitalization of Detroit, helping to create a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for the city.

DFC is a nonprofit organization that was established in 2010 with the goal of creating a framework for Detroit’s future development. The organization brought together experts from various fields to develop a comprehensive plan for the city, which was released in 2012. The plan included recommendations for land use, economic development, transportation, and other aspects of urban life.

Goss-Foster joined DFC in 2015, bringing with her a wealth of experience in community development and advocacy. Before joining DFC, she served as the Executive Director of the Detroit Future City Implementation Office, where she oversaw the implementation of the recommendations in the DFC plan. Prior to that, she worked as a Program Officer at the Skillman Foundation, where she focused on improving the quality of life for Detroit’s children and families.

At DFC, Goss-Foster has continued to champion the organization’s vision of a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous Detroit. She has overseen the development of numerous initiatives aimed at achieving this vision, including the Equitable Development Initiative, the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partnership, and the Land + Water Works Coalition.

The Equitable Development Initiative, in particular, has been a key focus of Goss-Foster’s work at DFC. The initiative aims to promote economic development that benefits all Detroit residents, particularly those who have been historically marginalized. Through the initiative, DFC works with community organizations and developers to create development projects that prioritize affordability, accessibility, and community engagement.

Goss-Foster has also been instrumental in advancing DFC’s work on sustainability and green infrastructure. The Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partnership, for example, is a collaboration between DFC and several other organizations aimed at creating green infrastructure projects that can mitigate the impacts of stormwater runoff on Detroit’s waterways. The Land + Water Works Coalition, meanwhile, is focused on promoting sustainable land use practices in Detroit, with a particular emphasis on the city’s vacant land.

Under Goss-Foster’s leadership, DFC has become a leader in urban planning and community development, and has been recognized for its innovative approaches to sustainability, equity, and economic development. In 2020, the organization received the prestigious National Planning Excellence Award for Implementation from the American Planning Association, in recognition of its work on equitable development in Detroit.

In addition to her work at DFC, Goss-Foster is also involved in a number of other organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting social justice and community development. She serves on the board of directors for the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and the Urban Land Institute’s Detroit chapter. She is also a member of the Equity Caucus of the National League of Cities, and serves on the Michigan Advisory Committee for the US Global Leadership Coalition.

In conclusion, Anika Goss-Foster is a respected leader in Detroit’s community development scene, known for her commitment to sustainability, equity, and economic development. Through her work at Detroit Future City, she has played a vital role in shaping the city’s future, and has helped to create a model for urban planning and development that prioritizes the needs of all residents. Her continued advocacy for social justice and community development make her a powerful voice in the ongoing effort to build a more equitable and sustainable Detroit.