Josephine Gomon Plans for Detroit’s Rehabilitation

This article tells of efforts to establish Detroit’s public housing, exploring questions about the origin of this programmatic effort and its manifestations in that city. Josephine Gomon, an engineering-trained white woman picked to direct Detroit’s first housing commission, helped shape low-income housing during the mid-1930s, and also helped establish planning in the city. We explore both race and gender barriers that she faced and also discuss her creative approaches to relocation and development. Gomon faltered in some ways but offered a glimpse into the missed potential of future redevelopment