Sheffield taps longtime Detroiter to serve as business, workforce chief

September 2, 2026

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has appointed Olga Stella as the city's new Chief of Economic Development and Workforce to address growing concerns about affordability and gentrification while managing a tighter municipal budget. Stella, a Detroit native with extensive local economic development experience including previous roles with the city government and Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, will oversee five city departments and coordinate with multiple partner agencies. Her responsibilities include making development processes more transparent for everyday residents, supporting small businesses, and advancing initiatives like the city's Poverty Elimination Plan.

Who is affected

Detroit residents, particularly those concerned about affordability and gentrification
Small business owners and entrepreneurs in Detroit
Local businesses across the city
Potential new businesses considering Detroit
Real estate developers
Employees within five city departments: Economic Development, Planning and Development, Housing and Revitalization, Office of Small Business Affairs, and Office of Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity
Partner agencies: Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Detroit Housing Commission, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, and Detroit Land Bank Authority
Olga Stella (appointed to the position)

What action is being taken

Olga Stella is assuming her new role as Chief of Economic Development and Workforce (she assumed the role last week)
She is leading efforts to bolster local businesses and develop opportunities for residents and new businesses
She is overseeing five city departments
She is coordinating with several partner agencies to address planning, land disposition, small business issues, neighborhood economic development, and job opportunities

Why it matters

This appointment matters because Detroit faces significant challenges balancing economic development with affordability and gentrification concerns while operating under a more conservative budget. Stella's role is crucial for ensuring that economic development benefits reach beyond major real estate projects in downtown and Strategic Neighborhood Fund areas to everyday Detroit residents. By focusing on transparency around development deals and working to create opportunities accessible to all Detroiters—not just developers—this position aims to build a more inclusive economy that strengthens all neighborhoods and addresses poverty elimination, which are central priorities during a time of community concern about whether growth will benefit existing residents.

What's next

Stella will help advance major initiatives, including the Poverty Elimination Plan
She will work to increase transparency around development deals to help everyday residents understand how they work

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com