Melia Howard Leads Detroit Forward as New Deputy Mayor

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s decision to appoint Melia Howard as the city’s new Deputy Mayor brings a new chapter for community leadership. Howard steps into this role after years of service as Director of Community Engagement. Her work has consistently placed residents at the center of Detroit’s development efforts. With Todd Bettison now moving to serve as Interim Police Chief, Howard assumes the Deputy Mayor position as the second woman in the city’s history to hold this title. Her appointment represents a commitment to making sure Detroiters’ voices remain strong in city hall.

Howard’s leadership is a part of a larger legacy of Black women leaders in Detroit who have transformed city government with a focus on community values. As Detroit’s second woman to serve as Deputy Mayor, she follows in the footsteps of Nettie Seabrooks, whose groundbreaking role from 1994 to 1997 under former Mayor Dennis Archer marked a new era of inclusive leadership in Detroit. Howard’s appointment not only continues this legacy but also expands it, emphasizing the importance of diverse leadership that reflects the communities it serves.

Howard’s approach to leadership prioritizes community impact over mere appearances. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that Detroit’s most prominent development projects, including the Michigan Central Station and the Fisher Body 21 building, reflect residents’ needs. As Duggan explained, “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,” Duggan said in a statement. “Projects like the renovation of Michigan Central and Fisher Body 21, as well as the $3 billion Future of Health development, might not have happened if not for the trust Melia has built in the community and among developers.”

Her journey to this role is rooted in Detroit’s eastside, where she first grew up and learned the power of community. Howard spoke on her new appointment with a mixture of gratitude and resolve. “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 stated. This respect for her community is what drives Howard’s work and will undoubtedly define her role as Deputy Mayor.

During her tenure as Director of Community Engagement, Howard played a key role in establishing community benefits agreements. Her work ensured that residents had meaningful input in development projects and the authority to shape outcomes. This commitment to community involvement goes beyond traditional outreach; Howard views residents as stakeholders, not just spectators.

The Saturdays in the D program is a direct example of Howard’s dedication to building opportunities for Detroit’s youth. Each year, this program partners with the University of Michigan and Ally Financial to provide Detroit’s young people and adults with hands-on experiences in fields like robotics and climate change. Through this program, 100 high school students and 100 adults receive valuable educational and experiential opportunities, broadening their career prospects and knowledge base.

This program aligns with Howard’s commitment to addressing gaps in educational access. She believes in creating pathways for Detroiters to thrive, especially those from historically underrepresented communities. Her approach as Deputy Mayor will reflect this commitment, focusing on economic empowerment, educational access, and creating safe spaces for Detroit residents.

Howard also plans to continue the Community Violence Intervention (CVI) work initiated by Bettison. The CVI’s Shotstoppers initiative has seen significant success, leading to reductions in homicides and non-fatal shootings across several neighborhoods. By working with CVI community organizations, Howard aims to deepen efforts that improve safety, particularly in areas impacted by gun violence.

Howard’s work with Detroit’s Department of Neighborhoods gave her firsthand experience with the everyday concerns of residents. Her role as District 5 Manager allowed her to address these concerns directly, working alongside Detroiters to find solutions and build trust. This experience grounds her approach to leadership and reinforces her commitment to neighborhood-based advocacy.

Mayor Duggan’s choice to appoint Howard signals a dedication to community-centered leadership. Her experience as a resident advocate brings an authenticity that resonates with Detroiters. Howard’s background has equipped her with an understanding of Detroit’s unique challenges and a vision for transformative change. Residents can expect Howard’s tenure to be marked by collaboration, transparency, and a focus on the city’s most pressing issues.

Howard’s journey represents more than just an individual accomplishment; it’s a victory for the people of Detroit who long to see leaders dedicated to their interests. Her work will continue to reflect the values and resilience of Detroiters. As Deputy Mayor, Howard steps into a role that not only allows her to advocate for the community but also provides the platform to push for meaningful change. For Detroiters, her presence is a powerful reminder that leadership belongs to those who never forget where they came from.