Photo: David Rodriguez Munoz ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
MEET THE CANDIDATE:
Mary Sheffield, a native Detroiter and third-generation public servant, is the youngest person ever elected to the Detroit City Council and currently serves as its president.
First elected in 2013 at the age of 26, she quickly became known for her legislative leadership and grassroots engagement. Sheffield holds degrees from Wayne State University and Central Michigan University and is also an ordained minister. Her civic involvement extends beyond City Hall through initiatives like “Occupy the Corner” and “Conversations with the Councilwoman,” which bring government directly to residents.
Influenced by her family’s legacy her father, Rev. Horace Sheffield III, and grandfather, labor leader Horace Sheffield Jr. she blends activism with policymaking in her approach to leadership.
PODCAST:
December 11, 2024 ~ Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield became the first formal candidate to replace Mike Duggan as mayor of Detroit. Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie talk with her about her experience running city council, her relationship with the late Benny Napoleon, and more!
WHAT MARY SHEFFIELD STANDS FOR:
Mary Sheffield’s campaign is built on a vision of equity, neighborhood investment, and fiscal reform that the campaign says will put Detroiters first.
Neighborhood Revitalization: Sheffield supports lowering residential property taxes to stabilize communities, while introducing targeted tourism taxes—such as on entertainment and hotel stays—to maintain city revenue without overburdening residents.
Affordable Housing and Economic Equity: She proposes using revenue from new tourism taxes to fund affordable housing, job training, and community safety programs, linking economic development with social investment.
Public Safety: Her approach to safety emphasizes community-based violence prevention and support for intervention programs that address the root causes of crime.
Workforce Development: Sheffield prioritizes local hiring for city contracts and supports job opportunities for returning citizens, aiming to expand economic mobility and reduce barriers to employment.
Education and Youth Services: She advocates for district-based education hubs modeled after the Marygrove campus, offering cradle-to-career services that support families and prepare young people for success.
Tax Reform and Fiscal Accountability: She has pledged to bring together stakeholders to address Detroit’s high property tax burden, which she sees as a major obstacle to homeownership and population growth.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
760 WJR TOP DETROIT MAYORAL RACE STORIES:
