Meet Jermaine

The Canton, Ohio native has substantial experience in affordable housing, community + economic development, community engagement strategies and urban redevelopment. Jermaine Ruffin is best described as an unrelenting advocate for urban planning, championing for the greater presence of Black, Indigenous, and communities of color in its practice. Jermaine is a 2017 graduate of the Masters of Urban and Regional Planning Program at Taubman College. Having held various positions in the fields of community and economic development on both the state and municipal level, Jermaine is currently the Director of Development for the West Region of the City of Detroit in the Public-Private Partnership Office. As Director of Development, he is responsible for the implementation of strategic neighborhood plans with specific focus on residential/commercial real estate revitalization and affordable housing options. Jermaine currently serves as a Board Member for the Redevelopment Ready Communities program, as an Advisory Board Member for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, a current member and former Ambassador for the American Planning Assoc. (APA), former Housing Commissioner for the City of East Lansing and is an active member of several national and state community and economic development organizations.