DETROIT — Mayor Mary Sheffield recently launched a new initiative, Project 1,000, to encourage developers to build 1,000 new homes across the city by 2031, with a target of producing an average of 250 homes annually.

That would represent a substantial increase over recent construction levels. Detroit recorded just 84 new infill housing units in 2024 and 114 in 2025, according to the city.

The plan aims to make construction on vacant land easier, including single-family homes, duplexes and attached housing such as townhouses and condominiums.

Detroit has an estimated 120,000 vacant lots, approximately half of which are owned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority.

To encourage development, Project 1,000 includes proposed zoning changes that would make it easier to build on narrow or small lots without seeking special exceptions.

The initiative also aims to streamline permitting and design reviews through a library of preapproved residential designs expected to become available beginning in 2027, helping reduce developers’ costs.

The city says the proposed zoning changes remain subject to required approvals, while the initial preapproved designs are expected in early to mid-2027.