MONICA R. SMITH
Detroit, Michigan

AFFILIATION: Project manager, HOPE VI Development, Detroit Housing Commission

AREA OF EXPERTISE: Urban planning, mixed-finance development, public administration

BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE: Monica is an urban planner with specialized training in housing finance. She holds a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University. Monica began her career in Detroit at one of the most active nonprofit community development corporations, NorthStar CDC, working with mixed-finance real-estate developments. Monica joined the City of Detroit’s Housing Commission in early 2004. Currently she serves as the HOPE VI project manager for the Gardenview Estates development (formerly Herman Gardens).

RESEARCH INTEREST: Monica is measuring how the HOPE VI development Woodbridge Estates, with its $37 million investment from HUD, has economically impacted the neighborhood within a one-mile radius.

E-MAIL: mrsplanner@msn.com