This blog originally appeared at LGBT NATION.

The Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce is leading the charge in what may be a decade-long initiative.

Detroit is working to establish an LGBTQ+ business district.

Back in the 1970s and ’80s, the city had around four dozen LGBTQ+ bars, but today, there are only eight queer spaces left, according to Kevin Heard, founder of the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce. As reported by Bridge Detroit, the city doesn’t have a distinct “gayborhood” like the ones in New York or Chicago.

Heard aims to change that. Earlier this year, the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce teamed up with the City of Detroit, LGBTQ+ research firm Community Marketing and Insights, and other organizations to create and distribute a survey. The goal is to identify which areas in the greater Detroit region are seen as the most LGBTQ+ friendly, where people want an LGBTQ+ business district, and what they envision it looking and feeling like.

“It’s a survey with multiple goals,” Heard explained. “The chamber will use it to prioritize resources in areas where many respondents live. Additionally, it will guide us toward phase two—focus groups—and phase three, which will involve selecting a site for the district.”

The survey, which launched in June, has already been completed by over 1,000 people, including 850 members of the Detroit metro LGBTQ+ community. It will close by Labor Day, after which the project will move into its next phase. Once focus groups are conducted, the chamber plans to hire a market analysis company to assist with site selection.

“They’ll assess open parcels or buildings and use survey data to guide the site choice,” Heard told Bridge Detroit. “When we narrow it down to the top three areas, we’ll launch a capital campaign to acquire property and lease it to new or existing LGBTQ-owned businesses or any business with a sustainable model that supports the LGBTQ+ community.”

Heard estimates the process of building the district could take up to a decade, but hopes the chamber can purchase its first piece of land by 2026.

He believes an LGBTQ+ business district would significantly boost Detroit’s economy. “A designated area where people know it’s safe for them, their families, and visitors will generate foot traffic and help sustain the neighborhood,” he said.

Beyond economic growth, Heard hopes the district will prevent people from leaving Detroit for more LGBTQ+ inclusive cities. “People want to be seen, heard, and valued, and they seek out those spaces. So why not create multiple spaces within Detroit?” he said. “We have one of the largest LGBTQ legislative caucuses in the country—it’s time we make this happen.”