DETROIT – Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield delivered her first State of the City address Tuesday night at Mumford High School on the city’s northwest side, pitching a slate of neighborhood- and youth-focused initiatives.
“It is an honor to stand before you tonight as the 76th and first woman Mayor of the great city of Detroit,” Sheffield said.
Sheffield tied the setting to the city’s comeback, saying Mumford’s past and present reflect Detroit’s own trajectory.
“In many ways, Mumford’s story mirrors Detroit’s, the highs of prominence and the lows of decline. Both are in a state of a resurgence,” Sheffield said.
Among the announcements: free DDOT rides for K-12 students starting April 1, available seven days a week. She also said after-school funding will rise to $2.2 million, a 120% increase.
Sheffield outlined expanded summer programming for youth, new property crime squads, efforts to bring senior buildings into compliance, and a renewed push for affordable housing and attracting retailers.
“Because strong neighborhoods need more than housing and infrastructure, they need vibrant commercial corridors,” Sheffield said.
After the speech, some Detroiters said they were encouraged by the focus on students and services.
“I like that she took that initiative to get the attendance at schools to make rise higher by making DDOT free,” said Brian Corona.
Zyana Henry said Sheffield’s message resonated with her.
“She is an amazing woman that focuses on the education and the importance of young people in Detroit,” Henry said.
Jennine Spencer-Gilbert applauded the speech and said she wants more focus on longtime residents like herself.
“I do appreciate all the new and exciting programs that she is bringing into the city,” Spencer-Gilbert said.
Asked what she didn’t hear, she added: “I think I want to hear more monies for Detroiters that stayed.”