In 2026, Detroit welcomed a new City administration amid overlapping crises–housing instability, tax inequity, climate risk, and a shrinking funding landscape for neighborhood-based organizations. This Playbook translates community-validated priorities into ready-to-implement actions for the first 100 days and the full mayoral term.
It is designed to:
- Deliver early, visible wins for residents
- Align city departments and quasi-public entities
- Institutionalize accountability beyond political cycles
We encourage everyone who is interested in the issues presented to take a look, share with their colleagues and asses how to leverage our collective knowledge and resources in the name of a vibrant Detroit!
Want to help spread the word and share the work?
Add your name to the support letter below!
Sign-on Letter
Dear Detroit Mayor, City Council and Partners;
Detroit stands at a pivotal moment. As a new administration and City Council take office, we have an opportunity to shape not only policy priorities—but the long-term future of our city.
Our transition playbook for the new administration, Community Development Priorities for Detroit’s Next Administration: Policy, Implementation and Accountability outlines a set of actionable recommendations to strengthen neighborhood stability, advance equitable development, center resident leadership, and build durable systems that work for Detroiters across generations. This is not solely a community development agenda. It is a roadmap for a more coordinated, transparent, and accountable City Hall—one that aligns growth with equity and ensures that public investment delivers lasting community benefit.
As organizations working across Detroit’s civic, nonprofit, philanthropic, business, faith, and institutional sectors, we support the vision and recommendations outlined in the Playbook. We urge the Mayor and City Council to incorporate its priorities into legislative agendas, departmental work plans, budget decisions, and implementation strategies.
By signing below, our organizations affirm that we:
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Support the goals and recommendations of the Playbook
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Commit to sharing and circulating the Playbook across our networks
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Will explore integrating relevant recommendations into our own policies, programs, partnerships, and advocacy
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Stand ready to work collaboratively with City leadership, CDAD, and other partners in the work to advance implementation
We also identify which of the seven focus areas most closely align with our work, to help strengthen coordination and collective accountability.
Detroit’s future depends on intentional systems change, meaningful resident engagement, and sustained partnership between public institutions and community stakeholders. We believe this Playbook offers a strong foundation for that work.
Signed,