From the Streets to the Suites: Sheffield Announces Extensive Transition Team

November 13, 2025

Detroit Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield has launched "Rise Higher Detroit," an expansive transition initiative featuring 18 policy committees led by prominent local figures from various sectors including finance, healthcare, education, and public safety. The transition team, headquartered at Marygrove Conservancy in a Detroit neighborhood rather than downtown, represents the first time a mayoral transition has operated from within the city's residential areas. More than 795 residents submitted resumes for administrative positions, demonstrating significant community interest in Sheffield's incoming administration, which begins January 1st.

Who is affected

Detroit residents across all neighborhoods
Mary Sheffield (mayor-elect beginning January 1st)
The 795+ residents who submitted resumes for administrative positions
Members of the 18 policy committees and their co-chairs (including community activists, banking executives, former police chiefs, nonprofit leaders, and corporate executives)
Local school systems and youth programs
Labor unions and city workforce
Marginalized residents needing health and social services
Small business owners and corporate partners
Foundation community and philanthropic organizations

What action is being taken

Rise Higher Detroit transition team is identifying best practices through 18 policy committees
Committee chairs held their first convening Thursday at Marygrove Conservancy
Committees are meeting regularly each week through the end of the year
The transition team is onboarding a chief talent officer to conduct vetting and outreach
Co-chairs are making recommendations to Sheffield's first 100-day plan

Why it matters

This transition represents a historic shift in Detroit's leadership approach, with Sheffield becoming the first woman elected mayor by such a large margin. The unprecedented scope of community involvement—with committee members spanning more civic life areas than previous coalitions—signals a commitment to inclusive governance that prioritizes neighborhoods over downtown development. The high volume of resume submissions and diverse committee leadership demonstrates renewed community engagement and confidence in city government. By headquartering the transition in a neighborhood rather than downtown, Sheffield is operationalizing her campaign promise to create "the Detroit that works for everyone," potentially reshaping how city resources and attention are distributed across all communities.

What's next

Committee chairs will develop recommendations for Sheffield's first 100-day plan
The chief talent officer will conduct vetting and outreach to build Sheffield's cabinet with top national talent
Committees will continue meeting weekly through the end of the year
Sheffield's administration officially begins January 1st
Each committee will develop specific strategies and plans within their designated policy areas to be implemented after the transition

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle