As this year’s forum title, “Just in Time” indicates, time is of the essence when it comes to building economic justice in Michigan. We must seize this opportunity to invest in what will create a stronger Michigan. It is time for boldness. Time for strong policies that will create an economy rooted in racial equity. The program for this year’s policy forum will show us a bold path for economic justice in Michigan.

We are proud to be able to offer our annual public policy forum remotely this year, and even prouder to announce that our keynote speaker will be Taifa Smith Butler, President of Demos.

Housing is critical to overall health and well-being, and following the keynote address, a panel discussion will focus on strategies that will help Michigan emerge from its affordable housing crisis.

The panel will be moderated by Alicia Mazzara of the national Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and panelists will be Jim Schaafsma of the Michigan Poverty Law Program, Rock On Terri, a long-time advocate and survivor of homelessness, and Ruth Johnson of Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD).

Keynote speaker Taifa Smith Butler serves as the President of Demos, which puts forth race-forward progressive policy ideas and analysis for policymakers and grassroots organizations fighting for economic, social and political power. Taifa brings more than 25 years of experience in public policy research and data analysis in the public, nonprofit and private sectors.