Largest community engagement effort in city history seeks input from Detroiters in every neighborhoodD
Detroiters Invited to Help Shape Detroit’s Future Through New Community Survey
DETROIT – Mayor Mary Sheffield and the Rise Higher Detroit transition have launched the Rise Higher Detroit Community survey, a citywide effort to gather input from Detroiters and ensure Detroiters play a direct role in shaping the long-term priorities of the administration. The survey launched Friday, January 9 on the Rise Higher Detroit website and will remain open for two months. Survey results will inform the mayor’s first year and first term governance strategy.
Community members can complete the survey online, on paper through community canvassing partners or at upcoming community events. To ensure the survey reaches as many Detroiters as possible, Rise Higher Detroit is partnering with Detroit Action, MI Poder and Eastside Community Network to lead on-the-ground outreach efforts. Community partners will bring the survey directly to the community through door-to-door canvassing and by offering the survey at grocery stores, churches and other trusted community spaces.
“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,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield. “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.”
Rise Higher Detroit will also host a series of community events beginning in February, offering Detroiters additional opportunities to share ideas, complete the survey in person and engage directly with Mayor Sheffield and the transition co-chairs. Each event will focus on one of the priority topic areas. Additional details, including locations, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Detroiters are invited to share their thoughts on six priority areas:
Thriving neighborhoods
Safe and just communities
Reliable transportation and sustainable infrastructure
Equitable economic and workforce development
Robust education and youth opportunities
Open and accessible government
“MI Poder is proud to step up in this historic moment, ensuring the opinions, concerns and voices of all Detroiters are heard,” said Cindy Gamboa, Executive Director of MI Poder. “The Rise Higher survey is an important tool for Mayor Sheffield's transition in her first 100 days, setting the stage for a transformative first term. We are committed to that success.”
The Rise Higher Detroit Community Survey is designed to reach thousands of Detroiters across every ZIP code, neighborhood and population with a focus on amplifying voices that have historically been left out of decision-making processes. The survey will be available in five languages – English, Spanish, Arabic, French and Bengali. Feedback collected will help inform the mayor’s action plan and guide priorities for the administration. Survey results will be utilized to prioritize the launch of key areas of Mayor Sheffield’s platform and will be shared publicly at the conclusion of the community engagement period.
To participate, visit risehigherdetroit.com/survey.
About Rise Higher Detroit
Rise Higher Detroit, the official transition initiative of Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield, aims to be the boldest and most inclusive engagement effort in Detroit’s history. The transition will help develop an official Transition Action Plan—a roadmap that reflects the voices, values, and aspirations of Detroiters. Together, we will help Mayor-Elect Sheffield realize her vision of an administration built on the voices and priorities of the people.
No public or campaign dollars are being used to fund the activities of the Rise Higher Detroit transition committee. The Mayor-elect and Detroit’s philanthropic community have collaborated to create a fund, established at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and supported by a variety of foundations and other civic institutions, to fund transition efforts, including community engagement and talent acquisition.