Sheffield’s Chief of Staff Brian White Selected as Deputy Mayor

December 15, 2025

Detroit's incoming Mayor Mary Sheffield has appointed Brian White, who has served as her chief of staff for over ten years, to the position of Deputy Mayor and senior advisor. In this role, White will manage state and federal policy matters, labor relations, and city government operations for an administration emphasizing community engagement and transparency. White brings extensive experience from his decade-long partnership with Sheffield on city council, where they worked on affordable housing, tax reform, and worker advocacy, as well as his background in voting rights and civil rights policy work.

Who is affected

Detroit residents and marginalized communities
Brian White and his family (wife Toi and three children)
Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield
City of Detroit government employees and departments
Organized labor and workers in Detroit
Sheffield's transition team (Rise Higher)

What action is being taken

Brian White is being selected/appointed to serve as Detroit Deputy Mayor and senior advisor
White will be overseeing Sheffield's state and federal policy agenda, labor relations, and operational functions of city government
White is supporting the incoming administration focused on community-centered and transparent government

Why it matters

This appointment is significant because it establishes leadership continuity for Detroit's incoming administration, placing an experienced advisor with over a decade of collaboration with the mayor-elect in a key operational role. White's track record on issues affecting marginalized communities—including affordable housing, tax reform, and labor advocacy—signals the administration's priorities and approach to governance. The deputy mayor position influences broad municipal activities and administrative functions, making this selection critical for implementing Sheffield's policy agenda focused on transparency, community partnership, and equitable progress throughout Detroit's neighborhoods.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle