About SDEV

SDEV, a 501(c)(3) organization, has as its mission to improve Southwest Detroit environmentally and economically. We do this primarily through community organizing, advocacy, education, and redevelopment efforts.

SDEV is funded through memberships, individual and corporate donations and grants.

Our Mission

Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision is a coalition of residents, community organizations, agencies, business and industry working together to improve the environment and strengthen the economy of Southwest Detroit. We accomplish our mission by

Collecting and disseminating information on environmental issues affecting Southwest Detroit;
Developing an environmentally informed and active citizenry;
Serving as a catalyst and resource for initiatives to improve the environment and stimulate environmentally sound economic development;
Identifying and expanding common ground for addressing environmental issues through reasoned dialog.

**To view our current programs/projects click here.**

SDEV 2008-2009 Accomplishments

Improving Quality of Life for Southwest Detroit Youth and Their Families

Spearheaded efforts to create clean safe zones that are free of illegal dumping, gang graffiti, abandoned vehicles and dangerous vacant buildings in targeted areas around four Southwest Detroit schools
Recruited 40 Neighborhood Champions to monitor and report blight throughout Southwest Detroit neighborhoods
conducted graffiti-free educational workshops in 13 classrooms at three neighborhood schools
Coordinated implementation of Safe Routes to School program at Bennett Elementary including hosting assemblies on safety issues, a Walkability Audit with Dan Burden, Walk to school days, and safety crossing guards initiatives

Engaging the Community in Efforts to Reduce Pollution

Coordinated Southwest Detroit/South Dearborn Environmental Collaborative to complete risk ranking of environmental concerns that were identified and prioritization of 4 major issues--air pollution from mobile sources, air pollution from industrial sources, incompatible land use and lead poisoning.
Educated residents and students on solid waste issues including recycling, proper trash disposal and illegal dumping and promote use of drop-off recycling centers in Southwest Detroit
Established recycling mobile facility at Clark Park which has collected x tons of recyclable materials since July 2008.

Advocating for the Community on Air Quality and Land Use Issues

Secured $370,000 grant to retrofit diesel trucks and off-road equipment in Southwest Detroit and South Dearborn
Coordinated efforts of the newly-formed Community Benefits Coalition to advocate for economic benefits and environmental mitigation for Delray and other impacted areas of Southwest Detroit, if the Detroit River International Crossing Bridge project moves forward.

SDEV 2009-2010 Goals

Seek additional funding to reduce diesel pollution from trucks and equipment in the community
Increase community participation in recycling by establishing recycling programs in additional schools, involving more residents in monthly recycling drop off and provide recycling opportunities at major community events
Implement programs and establish partnerships to address priorities identified by the Southwest Detroit/South Dearborn Environmental Collaborative
Expand efforts to make Southwest Detroit a cleaner, safer community by adding clean, safe zones at additional schools and recruiting more Neighborhood Champions to report blight issues

SDEV Board Members

Jorge Acevedo - MDEQ

Rev. Dr. Steven Archer - Trinity St. Marks Church of Christ

Charles Cini - Bagley Housing Association

George L. Davis, II - Detroit Salt Company

Mike Droze - Friend of SDEV

Miguel Guzman - CHASS

Linda Harris - St Mary's Cement

Vincent Martin - OUCSWD

Candace Muse - Marathon Petroleum

John Nagy - Delray Community Council

Dr. Lisa Randon - Friend of SDEV

Myrna Segura - SDBA

Charlie Thomas - Orininal United Citizens of SW Detroit

Roberta Urbani - DTE Energy

Barbra Wells - Tec-Ed, Inc.

Susan Zakrezewski - Friend of SDEV

SDEV's History

SDEV began in 1991 as a two-year project sponsored by East Michigan Environmental Council and Southwest Detroit Business Association. Its purpose was to initiate a dialogue between southwest Detroit's business/industrial interests and community residents. The result was a community plan which focused upon four major topics:

Abandoned buildings and illegal dumping
Air quality
Contaminated sites
Land use

In order to implement this plan Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision was incorporated as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1993. Over the years since then, SDEV's work has been to oversee and direct implementation of the community plan, which to this day remains a flexible "work in progress".