Brief History

The Detroit Alliance for Fair Banking (Detroit Alliance) is a civil rights organization comprised of and representation of a coalition of citywide community based groups within the city of Detroit. Our history dates back to 1988 after a controversial newspaper series based on extensive research, found and reported disparities and unfair racial patterns in mortgage lending by many Detroit area banks.

Incorporated in 1989, our organizational mission is to monitor CRA activity and to provide collaborative advocacy in the areas of public policy and corporate citizenship with local financial institutions. Our purpose is to encourage and ensure that fair banking services are being provided, and that small businesses, urban dwellers and minorities who have traditionally been underserved or underrepresented are provided equal access to credit opportunites through a series of semi-annual reviews between the Detroit Alliance and local senior bank management.

Accomplishments

Since its inception, the Detroit Alliance has been responsible for negotiating Community Action Plan agreements with Detroit’s top major banks. As a result, over $15 billion dollars in loan agreements and opportunities have been provided for neighborhood revitalization, homeownership for minorities and low-income families, and procurement opportunities for small businesses.