2022 has been a big year for greenways in Detroit and 2023 promises to be even bigger. Our early vision for projects like the Joe Louis Greenway are becoming a reality. An evergrowing number of residents, businesses, and elected officials are recognizing the value greenway projects can bring, not only to the downtown, but to the neighborhoods. 

But there's still much work to be done. We must continue advocating for Complete Street designs that increase road safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. We must build great non-motorized infrastructure that encourages our greenest transportation modes while reducing carbon emissions. We must continue partnering with the city and others to bring in the funding necessary to accomplish this. 

However, this state and federal infrastructure funding typically cannot go towards non-profits like us. That is why we ask that you consider donating to help us continue our work this Giving Tuesday and beyond. We can't get this critical work done without your help.

The morning fog contributed to the surreal feeling at the recent Joe Louis Greenway ribbon cutting. We've helped push along the "Mother of all non-motorized projects" for the past 14 years and now the first new segment was opening. It was great sharing that moment with so many of our friends amongst the 700 who turned out to celebrate.

If you missed the event, the city has posted a video.

At the event, Wayne County Commissioner Alicia Bell announced the county's $20 million commitment in ARPA funding for the project. This funding will be allocated to the trail portions in Highland Park, Hamtramck, and Dearborn.

The Joe Louis Greenway updates are coming faster and faster and the City of Detroit gets more resources to build the trail. The next trail segment is already under construction and should open late next year. Design work continues on the Dequindre Cut extension and the Hamtramck connector.

The City of Detroit also kicked off neighborhood-based planning along the greenway. According to lead planner Michele Flournoy, "We’re looking at the impact of the greenway and how that might affect the markets, the economic opportunity, and also what policies could actually go alongside the greenway that might be different than other places in the city.”

Meanwhile in Hamtramck, the long awaited cycletrack is being built on Jos Campau from Hamtramck Drive to Holbrook. There's also a new Joe Louis Greenway mural in the alley behind the Oloman Cafe.