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Sheffield to host community work session on mobility

February 16, 2026

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is conducting a series of five community forums to gather resident input on her policy agenda while introducing her transition team to the public. The first forum on February 2nd focused on economic empowerment and workforce development, where residents discussed topics including looking to Cleveland's success as a model for retaining talent. Sheffield's administration is emphasizing transparency by conducting this transition process publicly rather than behind closed doors, with Chief of Staff David Bowser explaining they want residents' voices integrated into the next four years of governance.

Who is affected

  • Detroit residents
  • Mayor Mary Sheffield and her administration
  • Members of Sheffield's transition team (including Johnnie Turnage, Dug Song, and Chief of Staff David Bowser)
  • New families (targeted by the Rx Kids income program)
  • College graduates and potential new residents
  • Homeless individuals and families (served by the new Human Homeless and Family Services Department)

What action is being taken

  • Mayor Sheffield is hosting five community forums where residents can influence policy
  • The administration is presenting plans to residents for feedback
  • The transition team is conducting a public survey to gather recommendations
  • Sheffield has announced anti-poverty initiatives including the Rx Kids program and a new Human Homeless and Family Services Department

Why it matters

  • This represents a departure from traditional mayoral transitions that occur behind closed doors, prioritizing transparency and direct resident participation in shaping city policy. The approach allows residents to see their input directly incorporated into the administration's four-year agenda, demonstrating the tangible impact of civic engagement. The focus on quality of life improvements and ensuring all Detroit residents benefit from the city's resurgence addresses concerns about equitable development and demonstrates responsive governance.

What's next

  • Infrastructure and mobility forum: 5:30 p.m., Feb. 18 at St. Andrew's Memorial Episcopal Church on Wayne State University's campus
  • Safe and Just Communities forum: 5:30-8:30 p.m., March 4 at Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, 1211 Trumbull
  • Thriving Neighborhoods forum: 5:30-8:30 p.m., March 5 at Eastside Community Network
  • Robust Education and Youth Opportunities forum: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 7 at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Michigan Dick & Sandy Dauch Campus

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com