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Construction Through the Lens of Affordable Housing

A Real Talk Panel Conversation

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Co-Hosted By: Invest Detroit

Moderated by: Tanya Saldivar-Ali | AGI Construction & DFO313

Guest Panelist

D’Marco Ansari | City of Detroit

ShaWanna Gajewski | CEO, Gajewski Homes LLC | Associate Real Estate Broker | Licensed Residential Builder

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Detroit is seeing a lot of investment and new development, but the question of affordable housing continues to sit at the center of the conversation.

For those actually building in the city, the reality is complex. This Real Talk panel brings together developers, contractors, policymakers, and community voices to talk honestly about what it really takes to create affordable housing in Detroit

What we’ll cover

This conversation moves beyond surface-level discussions about housing equity and into the real systems that shape affordable housing development.

• The panel will explore:

  • The barriers developers and builders face when delivering affordable housing
  • How capital, policy, and construction realities intersect
  • The role of contractors and community in shaping Detroit’s housing future
  • What must change to make affordable housing more scalable and sustainable

  The goal is to create shared understanding between developers, contractors, policymakers, and community stakeholders working to build and preserve housing across Detroit.

Who should attend

• Contractors and trades ready to grow and compete

• Developers

• Community leaders and advocates

• Funders, lenders, and public-sector partners

• Anyone invested in building Detroit with community, not just in it

Come for the conversation. Leave with clarity, connections, and next steps.

Real talk required. Comfort not guaranteed.

Appetizers & Refreshments Provided

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Proud Sponsors of Real Talk

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