Detroit Mayor Duggan Names Patrice Brown New Associate Director of Urban Agriculture

Brown plans to expand spaces designated for agriculture and place an emphasis on Agribusiness in Detroit.

City of Detroit
July 24, 2024

Excerpt:

“Detroit values our urban agriculture community, and we want to continue encouraging farming as the demand for land in the city increases,” said Mayor Duggan. “Patrice Brown, in partnership with Tepfirah Rushdan and the Office of Sustainability, will ensure that our administration supports urban farmers whose work significantly contributes to the city’s sustainability efforts and economic growth.”

A longtime Detroit community advocate, Brown has a proven track record of collaboration with various local organizations and non-profits. Having previously served at the city in 2006, Brown brings a depth of knowledge and passion for community engagement. Since 2017, Brown served as the Food Access Coordinator at the Eastern Market Corporation, where she worked to create additional food access points for both farmers and retailers. In her new role at the City of Detroit, Brown will work closely with city departments to create sustainable practices and improve urban agriculture.

“I am excited to help create more streamlined services, increase food security, and improved neighborhood environments through the sustainable practices within urban AG. I’m especially excited about creating a greener and healthier Detroit,” said Brown. “It is important that residents in the agricultural community, navigate city services more effectively. We are in a pivotal place in urban AG across the US and the world is watching the Detroit AG community. I’m excited to show how our neighborhood environments can be transformed through food.”

The Office of Urban Agriculture has worked on several key initiatives aimed at helping Detroiters access land, water, and other resources needed for farming. Last month, the city of Detroit made a commitment to pollinator conservation and ecological sustainability through a partnership with Bee City USA®.

Read the complete article here.