Jermaine Ruffin joined Invest Detroit in November 2021 as Vice President, Neighborhoods. In this role, he works to strengthen BIPOC developer capacity by helping them navigate complex systems and problems to achieve success in their projects, while also suggesting improvements to the larger system overall. This role is a vital component of the future of our real estate program and our goal to work with partners in creating equitable opportunity in our city’s growth.
Jermaine holds a BA from Michigan State University-James Madison College and a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Michigan-Taubman College. He has held various positions in the fields of community and economic development on both the state and municipal level. Most recently, Jermaine was the Associate Director for Equitable Planning & Legislative Affairs with the City of Detroit. Jermaine has served on many boards and is the host for The Streets Are Planning Podcast where he and guests discuss a wide range of issues impacting neighborhoods & cities across the world. Jermaine lives in Detroit with his Wife Letisia and they are the proud parents of Stephanie, Oscar, and Arturo.
