Detroit residents now have a direct opportunity to influence their city’s future through a comprehensive new survey that Mayor Mary Sheffield describes as the largest community engagement effort in Detroit’s history. The Rise Higher Detroit Community survey launched on Friday, January 9, and will remain open for two months as the administration seeks input from every neighborhood across the city.
The initiative represents a significant shift in how city government interacts with its residents. Rather than relying solely on traditional public forums or advisory committees, the survey aims to reach thousands of Detroiters across every ZIP code and demographic group, with special attention to voices that have historically been excluded from decision-making processes.
How the survey reaches every corner of Detroit
Community members can complete the survey through multiple channels designed to maximize accessibility. The online version is available on the Rise Higher Detroit website, but recognizing that not all residents have easy internet access, the administration has partnered with three local organizations to bring the survey directly to neighborhoods.
Detroit Action, MI Poder and Eastside Community Network are leading on-the-ground outreach efforts that include door-to-door canvassing and survey stations at grocery stores, churches and other trusted community spaces. This multi-pronged approach ensures that participation isn’t limited to those who are already engaged with city government or comfortable with digital platforms.
The survey is also available in five languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, French and Bengali. This linguistic diversity reflects Detroit’s increasingly multicultural population and demonstrates the administration’s commitment to hearing from residents regardless of their primary language.
Six priority areas residents can weigh in on
The survey focuses on key areas that will shape Mayor Sheffield‘s governance strategy during her first year and throughout her term. Detroiters are invited to share their thoughts on 1) thriving neighborhoods, 2) safe and just communities, 3) reliable transportation and sustainable infrastructure, 4) equitable economic and workforce development, 5) robust education and youth opportunities, and 6) open and accessible government.
Each of these categories addresses fundamental aspects of city life that directly impact residents’ daily experiences. By structuring the survey around these specific themes, the administration can gather targeted feedback that will inform concrete policy decisions and resource allocation.
Community events will deepen the conversation
Beginning in February, Rise Higher Detroit will host a series of community events that offer residents additional ways to participate. These gatherings will provide opportunities for Detroiters to complete the survey in person, share ideas in more detail and engage directly with Mayor Sheffield and transition co-chairs.
Each event will focus on one of the six priority areas, allowing for deeper discussions about specific topics. The administration plans to announce locations and schedules in the coming weeks, with the goal of hosting events in diverse neighborhoods throughout the city.
What happens with the feedback
The survey results won’t simply disappear into bureaucratic files. The administration has committed to using the feedback to inform Mayor Sheffield‘s action plan and guide priorities throughout her term. Survey results will help determine which areas of the mayor’s platform receive priority attention during implementation.
Perhaps most importantly, the administration has pledged transparency about how community input shapes decision-making. Survey results will be shared publicly at the conclusion of the two-month engagement period, allowing residents to see how their voices contributed to the final priorities.
Funding keeps initiative independent
The Rise Higher Detroit transition committee operates without public or campaign dollars. Instead, Mayor Sheffield and Detroit’s philanthropic community collaborated to create a fund established at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. Various foundations and civic institutions support the fund, which covers transition efforts including community engagement and talent acquisition.
This funding structure ensures that the survey and related activities can proceed without diverting resources from existing city services or creating concerns about political influence over the process.
Cindy Gamboa, executive director of MI Poder, emphasized the importance of ensuring all Detroit voices are heard during this historic moment. The organization’s participation underscores the collaborative nature of the effort and the recognition that effective community engagement requires trusted local partners who already have established relationships in neighborhoods.
Source: Rise Higher Detroit press release
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