Mary Sheffield, the current President of Detroit’s City Council, has already made history as the youngest person ever elected to the council and its first female president. Now, she is setting her sights on another historic milestone—becoming Detroit’s first Black female mayor. Sheffield’s campaign is centered on inclusive economic growth, housing reform, and ensuring that all Detroiters have access to opportunities. In this interview, she shares her vision for the city, her motivation for running, and the impact she hopes to have on her beloved hometown of Detroit..
Revelence: What inspired you to take this next historic step in becoming Detroit’s first Black female mayor?
Mary Sheffield: It’s time. Detroit is ready for bold, compassionate leadership. We’ve never had a woman mayor, and it’s long overdue. While our city has seen significant economic growth and revitalization, many Detroiters are still struggling—living in poverty, lacking access to quality jobs, and not feeling the benefits of the city’s progress.
I want to ensure that economic empowerment reaches middle-income residents and neighborhoods, that people have the education and training they need to thrive, and that we create an inclusive vision for Detroit’s future. Running for mayor gives me a greater platform to advocate for everyday Detroiters and ensure they benefit from our city’s prosperity.
What is your overarching vision for Detroit, and how do you plan to unite Detroiters behind your leadership?
Mary Sheffield: I want to continue the momentum of Detroit’s growth while ensuring it reaches every neighborhood. I envision a city where every community is walkable, vibrant, and safe, with quality, affordable housing and a clear path to homeownership.
We need to create economic opportunities by investing in the middle class, making sure Detroiters are hired for local jobs, and supporting small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. That means increasing access to capital, grants, and the necessary infrastructure for entrepreneurs to thrive.
Education is also key. We must strengthen our school systems, expand skilled trades training, and ensure dual enrollment programs are available in high schools. My vision is for Detroit to once again be a city of opportunity—a place where people can come, stay, and reach their full potential.
The month of March is recognized as Women’s History Month. What does this moment mean to you personally, and how do you hope your candidacy will inspire young women, especially Black women, to pursue leadership roles in government and beyond?
This campaign is about inspiration. I want women to feel empowered to lead, to step up without hesitation. Too often, women second-guess themselves when considering leadership roles, feeling like they need to check every box before they run. But leadership is about showing up as you are, learning, and growing along the way.
Women are underrepresented in government at every level. Breaking this glass ceiling in Detroit will pave the way for more women—not just locally, but across the country—to step into leadership positions and serve their communities.
One of your major initiatives as City Council President has been advocating for housing reform. How would you expand on that work as mayor?
Housing is one of the core pillars of my campaign. We must strengthen homeownership in Detroit—because when people own their homes, they build communities. My focus will be on expanding access to homeownership, ensuring safe, stable, and affordable housing options for all Detroiters, and addressing homelessness.
The tragic case of a woman living in her car with her children, two of whom passed away, is unacceptable. We must invest in shelters and explore innovative solutions, like repurposing vacant schools into housing for the homeless. As mayor, I will make housing a priority, ensuring that every Detroiter has access to a safe place to live.
Small businesses and entrepreneurs play a crucial role in Detroit’s economic future. How would your administration support them?
The biggest concern I hear from small business owners is access to capital. Less than 2% of commercial loans go to Black businesses, and that needs to change. We must bring financial institutions to the table, ensure they adhere to the Community Reinvestment Act, and create more grant and funding opportunities for Detroit-based businesses.
Partnering with the private sector and finding innovative ways to inject capital into local businesses will be a priority. Small businesses are the backbone of Detroit’s economy, and we need to provide them with the resources they need to grow and succeed.
Thank you for your time and for sharing your vision for Detroit.
Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you.
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