Sheffield: Measure Detroit's success by "well-being of all"
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Mayor Mary Sheffield speaks with reporters after the ceremony. Photo: Annalise Frank/Axios
As Mayor Mary Sheffield was sworn in Friday morning, she committed to spearheading a new chapter of Detroit that takes aim at poverty and builds a "beloved community" anchored in dignity and justice.
Why it matters: The free public investiture ceremony at the Detroit Opera House celebrated the history of Detroit electing its first female mayor and gave Sheffield another platform to outline the themes that will guide her tenure.
- Other elected officials were also sworn in: City Council members, police commissioners and City Clerk Janice Winfrey.
Context: Sheffield previously took the oath of office in a small private ceremony on New Year's Day to become the city's 76th mayor.
Inside the room: Faith leaders and singers celebrated the occasion on stage with speeches and songs.
- Detroit poet laureate jessica Care moore read a poem about Sheffield's rise, her weighty responsibilities and the city's history of influential women.
What they're saying: "The success of this city cannot be measured by the progress of a few, but it must be measured by the well-being of all," Sheffield said in a speech. "Progress is only real when it reaches every block, every family and every community in this city."
- Speaking with reporters afterward, Sheffield said to expect "tons of initiatives and programs" addressing poverty — especially childhood poverty — and improving general quality of life.
Zoom in: With the first new administration in 12 years beginning, Sheffield is working to make her campaign trail pledges become reality.
Yes, but: Some questions remain unanswered, like how different the new city government will look from its previous iteration.
- Sheffield has announced plans for new departments, like the Department of Human, Homeless and Family Services, but hasn't released a full accounting of all departments and which leaders and managers are new or returning.
- Some appointments have been announced, like corporation counsel Conrad Mallett staying and former City Council Member Fred Durhal III becoming director of state governmental affairs. Others have not yet, but more information is expected soon.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information.