DETROIT – Detroit leaders and community partners are rolling out a new effort they say is designed to help the city grow -- not just in visibility, but in residents.
The initiative, called Move Detroit, is being framed by organizers as a citywide movement focused on retaining current Detroiters, welcoming back former residents, and attracting new people to call the city home.
“Move Detroit is first and foremost about retaining our current residents… while also welcoming home former residents ready to return and those new Detroiters that we’re inviting to join us,” one speaker said during the announcement.
City leaders say Detroit is already promoting several programs aimed at making homeownership, stability, and small business growth more attainable -- including housing and down payment assistance programs, as well as funding support for entrepreneurs and legacy businesses.
Mayor Mary Sheffield recently announced that the Move Detroit Coalition will focus on strategies specifically aimed at growing Detroit’s population. Organizers say more than 50 organizations have signed on as coalition partners.
Businessman Dan Gilbert is serving as the coalition’s chair.
“They’re reading about Detroit in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Vogue, and all over social media,” Gilbert said. “When you see a movement like this is happening in this city, you have two choices. You can watch it, or you can jump in and help build it.”
A key part of the initiative is a newly launched Neighborhood Ambassador Program, which aims to bring residents directly into the work of shaping how Detroit is promoted -- and how programs are developed.
Organizers say they are asking Detroiters to nominate neighbors, friends, and peers who have made meaningful impacts in their communities. About 100 Detroiters from across the city will be selected as ambassadors.
“Ambassadors will represent the amazing people that live in our communities, participate in feedback sessions that shape directly our programs and our messaging -- and help share Detroit’s story with the world,” one organizer said.
Nominations are now open, and applications can be submitted through Move Detroit’s official website.