For the first time in its history, Detroit will be led by a woman when Mary Sheffield takes office in January. Sheffield defeated the Rev. Solomon Kinloch locking up about 77% of the vote. “We will invest in every corner of our city, rebuilding our neighborhoods, investing in our commercial corridors. Every family will feel supported,” Sheffield told the crowd during her victory speech Tuesday night. Sheffield has served on the council for almost 12 years, sponsoring initiatives like legal counsel for tenants facing eviction, property tax breaks for low-income homeowners, and a home repair grant program. Sheffield plans to reorganize city government, establishing a handful of new offices and departments. Sheffield’s proposed Office of Gun Violence Prevention would partner with violence intervention organizations and serve as a hub for gun violence reduction strategies, said David Bowser, Sheffield’s senior policy adviser. Institute managing director, Jessica Roche, spoke with Outlier Media about the importance of collaboration is when addressing firearm violence.
