Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has tapped Melia Howard, his trusted advisor and community engagement expert, to serve as the city's new Deputy Mayor. Howard steps into the role following the departure of Todd Bettison, who was recently appointed as Interim Police Chief. This appointment marks Howard as only the second woman in Detroit history to hold the Deputy Mayor position since Nettie Seabrooks served under Mayor Dennis Archer in the 1990s.
Known for her strong advocacy skills, Howard has been instrumental in ensuring that Detroiters' voices are heard in city hall, and pivotal development projects across the city. Mayor Duggan praised her contributions, saying "Melia has been a fierce advocate for residents and absolutely critical in making sure Detroiters have a strong voice at City Hall and in developments proposed in their neighborhoods," according to a press release from the City of Detroit. In her previous role as Director of Community Engagement, she has been a key negotiator, working on community benefits agreements for major projects like Michigan Central and Fisher Body 21 renovations.
Howard's long-standing association with Mayor Duggan's office includes her tenure as Director of Special Projects and managing District 5 for the Department of Neighborhoods. Beyond bureaucratic endeavors, Howard has demonstrated her commitment to education with initiatives such as "Saturdays in the D." This program forges a partnership with the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and Ally Financial, offering 100 high school students, and 100 adults annually, hands-on educational experiences.
In taking on the role of Deputy Mayor, Howard will also oversee the Community Violence Intervention (CVI) initiatives formerly led by Bettison. The city's "Shotstoppers" program under CVI has seen reductions in homicides and non-fatal shootings in the areas it targets. Howard expressed her sense of responsibility and dedication, "As a little girl from the eastside, I never thought this was possible and I am truly humbled and honored that Mayor Duggan has trusted me with this enormous opportunity. My residents mean so much to me and I will continue to work hard for them," she said as stated by the City of Detroit.
