Detroit Launches Community Survey To Guide Sheffield Administration Priorities

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield started the Rise Higher Detroit survey to gather feedback from people who live in every part of town. It opened last week. The survey will run for two months and help shape what the mayor focuses on during her first year.

The transition team says this is the biggest community survey Detroit has ever seen. They want to hear from residents who haven't had much say before.

"This survey reflects the commitment I made throughout my campaign and my career in public service to listen and govern alongside the people of this city," Sheffield said in a statement per Michigan Advance. "Detroiters deserve a government that is shaped by their voices, their experiences, and their priorities, and this survey is one way we're turning that commitment into action."

People can fill out the survey on their computers or phones, and canvassers will visit neighborhoods with paper copies. You'll find it at grocery stores and churches, along with other spots where people gather.

Sheffield's team joined forces with three groups: Detroit Action, MI Poder, and the Eastside Community Network. Volunteers from these organizations will spread out across Detroit, showing up at events and knocking on doors.

Six main topics appear on the survey: strong neighborhoods, safe communities, transportation and infrastructure, jobs and training programs, good schools and opportunities for young people, and a government that answers to its citizens.

Cindy Gamboa runs MI Poder as executive director. She said her group was proud to help Sheffield get started. This work will make sure "the opinions, concerns, and voices of all Detroiters are heard," according to Michigan Advance.

Sheffield and her transition co-chairs have scheduled several meetings with residents through February. These gatherings will dig into each priority area, one at a time.