What if the real measure of a city's growth isn't cranes in the skyline, but how many families it lifts out of poverty? That's the challenge Detroit's first female mayor, Mary Sheffield, poses on this episode of The BOBcast with host Bob Riney. Six months into historic office, Sheffield reflects on property tax reform, a citywide survey of 6,000 residents, and a new Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety built to address gun violence. She opens up about the personal toll of leadership, the activist legacy of her father and grandfather, and why she believes purpose, not politics, should drive public service. It's a candid conversation about power, poverty, and what it really takes to rebuild a city from the inside out.
What if the real measure of a city's growth isn't cranes in the skyline, but how many families it lifts out of poverty? That's the challenge Detroit's first female mayor, Mary Sheffield, poses on this episode of The BOBcast with host Bob Riney. Six months into historic office, Sheffield reflects on property tax reform, a citywide survey of 6,000 residents, and a new Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety built to address gun violence. She opens up about the personal toll of leadership, the activist legacy of her father and grandfather, and why she believes purpose, not politics, should drive public service. It's a candid conversation about power, poverty, and what it really takes to rebuild a city from the inside out.
Time Stamps
First six months
:20- Bob Riney introduced Mayor Mary Sheffield as Detroit’s first female mayor, former youngest Detroit City Council member at age 26, and later the youngest council president.
2:22- Mary Sheffield said election night was when the reality of becoming mayor fully set in.
2:58- She described the first six months as effective and inclusive, shaped by a transition process, first 100-day priorities, and input from more than 6,000 Detroiters.
3:17- Early policy actions included an executive order on fairer property assessments and another creating the Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety.
Leadership Philosophy
4:14- Mary Sheffield said confidence comes from execution and described her framework as purpose, preparation, and practice.
5:20- She argued that people with integrity should lean into public service despite political division and attacks on leadership.
Growth and Development
6:11- Mary Sheffield said Detroit must treat poverty reduction, workforce development, and upward economic mobility as core growth strategies.
7:25- She and Bob discuss the Henry Ford Health campus expansion as a healthcare anchor, job creator, and major economic opportunity.
8:13- She also stressed the need to connect schools and community colleges to workforce pipelines.
Governance and Safety
8:43- Mary Sheffield said her existing relationships with City Council have supported productive collaboration.
9:48- On public safety, she said even with record low crime trends, one life lost is too many, and she emphasized prevention, enforcement, and family support after gun violence.
Long-Term Vision
10:52- Her top long-term priorities are property tax reform and raising Detroit residents’ median income.
11:44- She described Detroit’s appeal to young talent through affordability, culture, riverfront access, entertainment, and jobs, while noting transportation as an area that still needs improvement.
12:40- She closed with reflections on her father and grandfather’s influence, her grounding in public service, and the role of family, sports, fitness, and comedy in her personal life.
Mayor Mary Sheffield 00:00
We would think we have to view the social conditions of the people in our city as a growth strategy, lifting individuals out of poverty, families out of poverty, as one way to grow the city of Detroit.
Bob Riney 00:13
Welcome back to The BOBcast. I'm your host, Bob Riney, President and CEO of Henry Ford Health. Today's guest is a lifelong Detroiter whose commitment to this city has shaped every stage of her career. Mary Sheffield has spent her entire life in the Motor City, and her work has consistently reflected that deep-rooted connection. She became the first female mayor in Detroit's history at the start of this year by a landslide vote.
Mayor-elect on Election Night 00:41
Detroit, we did it. We did it, Detroit. You showed up. You showed out. You stood strong, and raised your voices towards a future that we all can believe in.
Bob Riney 00:56
Mary first made history in 2013 when she was elected as the youngest member of the Detroit City Council at a whopping 26 years old. Nine years later, she made history in a similar fashion, becoming the youngest president of the Detroit City Council, continuing to build a career defined by leadership, service, and a steady focus on the city she calls home. Mary's story is very much a Detroit story. Born on the city's west side, she remained close to home for her education, attending Wayne State University before going on to earn her master's degree from Central Michigan University. And before her time on city council, Mary served in the Wayne County jail system as a disciplinary hearing officer, an experience that gave her a close-up view of some of the challenges still facing our community. The path that Mary has followed reflects a lifelong dedication to public service and to the people of Detroit, work that has helped move the city forward in meaningful ways, and I predict we haven't seen anything yet. Mary, thank you for your unwavering commitment to Detroit, and thank you for joining us on The BOBcast.
Mayor Mary Sheffield 02:12
Thank you so much for having me. Excited to be here.
Bob Riney 02:15
When was there the moment where you said, "OMG, I'm the mayor of the city of Detroit.
Mayor Mary Sheffield 02:22
Definitely election night. It really hit me that this really was it-that I won.
News reporter 02:27
We see her there, making her way to the stage, hugging some of her supporters. They've been there throughout the night, talking with some of those supporters....
Mayor Mary Sheffield 02:33
That I was the mayor of the great city of Detroit. A huge responsibility was upon me and on my shoulders to lead this great city. And then throughout the next few months, as I started to take on the responsibilities as mayor, it started to continue to sink in. That here I am leading this large city with huge responsibilities, numerous staff.
Bob Riney 02:52
And a national spotlight.
Mayor's speech at conference 02:54
Yes,
Bob Riney 02:55
Half a year later, what are your reflections?
Mayor Mary Sheffield 02:58
It's been a very effective first six months with the work of our transition team and the numerous philanthropic and corporate entities that came in day one to really make sure that this administration was prepared with our first 100-day action items.
Mayor's address 03:15
Property values are rising, and that's a good thing. But to ensure fairness in the assessment process, I issued my first executive order so that assessments better reflect the value of your property.
Mayor Mary Sheffield 03:28
We had over 6000 Detroiters participate in a citywide survey. They engaged on various topics around community development, transportation, economic development, health, housing, and many other topics that really laid the framework for our first six months in office.
Mayor's address 03:43
My second executive order established the Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety.
Mayor Mary Sheffield 03:50
I would sum it up as busy, fun, effective, and very inclusive.
Bob Riney 03:54
You have an amazing career from the standpoint of your rise in various roles at very young ages. How did you get the confidence to keep elevating, and what would your message on confidence be to young people listening?
Mayor Mary Sheffield 04:13
You know, I think confidence is really about execution. I think the more you practice, the more you continue to challenge yourself, the more you get in those uncomfortable situations, the more your confidence grows. I always tell people: one, for me, it's about the 3p's. Purpose is big for me. Everyone has a purpose, a gift, a calling. Once we understand what that is, we have to prepare for that calling and that gift. And so, mentorship, studying, growing, being a lifelong learner, having a growth mindset, always willing to observe knowledge. Lastly, you just have to practice. You have to get out there and do. Those things have always helped me, and I think over the years it continues to build and grow my confidence in who I am as a leader.
Bob Riney 04:53
Our political times in this country are interesting, to say the least. There's a lot of divisiveness, and there's also. An incredible amount of stress one has to go to and go through to put themselves in the public light, and now their families have to go through it too. As a result, there's people that are shying away. You've leaned in. So, what's your message to people that say, "I don't want to go now. It's too ugly.
Mayor Mary Sheffield 05:20
I think the attack on leadership, the attack on individuals in political office, is just a very difficult and trying time. You have to have tough skin, and you have to do this because of a greater purpose than yourself. We have to have good, ethical individuals with integrity in office in order to carry our city, our state, and our country forward, and so I would just encourage people if they don't like the political climate or the dynamics in which we're in, it's not the time to step away. It's really the time to lean in.
Bob Riney 05:51
Mayor Sheffield spoke at the Mackinac Policy Conference, and I thought just brought a mic drop moment when she really described in incredibly articulate ways that lifting people out of poverty is an economic development strategy.
Mayor's speech at conference 06:11
Typically, growth is measured by cranes in the skyline, activity in our central business district, by population gains or ribbon cuttings. While all of those things are great, we must go a bit deeper to make sure that our growth is more sustainable. We know that buildings matter, but they are only as good as the foundation on which they stand. And for me, investing in people is that foundation.
Bob Riney 06:41
What do you think it's going to take to get us to that next level, get us over the hump?
Mayor Mary Sheffield 06:45
Well, I think we have to view the social conditions of the people in our city as a growth strategy, lifting individuals out of poverty, families out of poverty, as one way to grow the city of Detroit. This administration has been laser focused on two things. One, of course, is neighborhood development, but also upward economic mobility for families. And a big part of that is how we address the social issues, how we address poverty, how are we addressing workforce development to prepare people for the jobs of today and tomorrow. And a part of that is how we retain individuals in Detroit as well, to to equipping them with the education and the skills that they need to thrive here in the city of Detroit.
Bob Riney 07:25
Speaking of neighborhood development, I'm privileged to lead a massive project for Henry Ford Health.
TV news report 07:33
Eyes were to the sky as Henry Ford Health celebrated big progress on the Detroit campus expansion. After 111 years in the making, this is the most exciting day for Henry Ford Health. Thursday in front of crowds...
Bob Riney 07:44
When we open our doors in a few years to this entire campus, what do you think it'll mean for Detroiters?
Mayor Mary Sheffield 07:51
To have a mecca of healthcare in the center of our city, I think, just sends a huge signal to the growth and resurgence of our city. Not only will we have world-class healthcare in the heart of our city, which I think is central to any thriving city. You all are also a huge job creator, 1000s of jobs. Which now we have to continue to talk about is how are we getting that curriculum in community colleges and high schools to really prepare people to go straight into these jobs, which creates a pipeline to retain and create upward mobility for families and residents. It's a job creator. It is just a huge economic opportunity in our city, and we are just grateful that that investment was made in Detroit.
Bob Riney 08:32
How's it been moving from the relationship with the mayor from city council to now the mayor needing a healthy relationship with City Council.
Mayor Mary Sheffield 08:43
Pretty well, because of the relationships that I formed over the 12 years on City Council. You know, we do regular check-ins, and that relationship has been cultivated over the years. So, I mean, it is a bit different the dynamics, but overall, we have good communication, an open relationship, and I'm very honest about things that I need to get done. They tell me their concerns and priorities, and we work together to address those. I understand that there is this healthy dynamic of natural tension between the executive and legislative branch, and that's natural. But we always try to keep professionalism first and make sure that we have decorum in how we move forward.
Bob Riney 09:18
As mayor, you have to deal with some really sobering moments. We've had our share of violence this summer and teen takeovers.
TV news report 09:26
While the mayor wants to give teens a safe space so they can go there instead of just roaming downtown streets unsupervised, she says she and her administration....
Bob Riney 09:34
How do you process and deal with the really horrible things that you have to get involved with, and you know, knowing that a family has lost somebody at the end of the day?
Mayor Mary Sheffield 09:48
As the leader of the city, I take it very personal when there is a tragedy in our city. What more we could have done to address it? And I always say, while we have record low crime in Detroit, even today, year to date, we're still trending. Low, one life lost is still too many. Through prayer, through stillness, I just try not to internalize things too much, but try to be effective in the policies that we push forward to prevent tragedies from taking place.
Mayor's news conference 10:13
Detroit, listen up. We are committed to prevention, supporting our young people, and creating safe spaces for them to enjoy their summer, but let me be equally clear: prevention does not mean we are easing up on enforcement. Support for our youth does not mean there will be no accountability.
Mayor Mary Sheffield 10:33
We created the first ever office of neighborhood and community safety that really provides the wraparound support to families and individuals that are impacted by gun violence in Detroit.
Bob Riney 10:44
Five years from now, if you could pick one thing that you'd want to say I am the most proud of, what comes to your mind?
Mayor Mary Sheffield 10:52
I would say definitely between achieving significant property tax reform, which has been a hindrance for decades in Detroit, and I think it stops business development. It stops population growth. It's just a barrier to economic growth in the city as a whole. Also, would say the income levels of our residents. If we can increase the overall median income of our city, that would be significant.
Bob Riney 11:21
We want to attract young talent to find Detroit as the cool place that they need to move to. We also want people that grew up here in the city and grew up in the region and the state to say, "I want to make Detroit home. So, talk to the young talent out there about why the bet they should place is Detroit.
Mayor Mary Sheffield 11:44
Well, Detroit is the place to be, and everyone from around the world is realizing that. What stands out to me the most, and I think young millennials and young professionals are realizing that, is the cost of living itself compared to other major cities. I mean, what you can get in Detroit for a home, for an apartment in Greater Downtown Detroit, with access to cultural institutions, world-class riverfront, the placemaking in Detroit is phenomenal. The entertainment, the culture. I think what young people really want to know it's the affordability piece, the opportunity, and I think that is the connection of jobs. I think is important as well too. And the more that we can improve on the transportation aspect, I think is going to be beneficial to our young people.
Bob Riney 12:26
Let's get a little personal as we wind down. I'm particularly interested in the impact your father and grandfather had on you and on the city, and how that's really helped you become who you are.
Mayor Mary Sheffield 12:40
All I can remember as a young girl is strong silver and labor rights activists who shaped and guided everything that I did. At 10 years old, I remember marching in a protest at Fairlane Mall with my father. Dick Gregory was there. Geoffrey Feiger was there. Al Sharpton, my father and my grandfather really instilled in me the importance of advocacy, of organizing, of mobilizing, and really speaking truth to power. My father, his entire life was always about others. How do you serve and help other people? How do you take care of the least of thee, and that's really all I saw my entire life.
Horace Sheffield III 13:23
Today was a monumental, and not just for my daughter, who has achieved something that's never been done in the history of Detroit-a female mayor in over 300 years.
Mayor Mary Sheffield 13:35
For me, I always say public service. I didn't choose it; it chose me.
Bob Riney 13:39
When you take that mayor hat off as few hours a day as you can. Aside from sleep, what do you do for fun?
Mayor Mary Sheffield 13:46
I love comedy. Love working out, believe it or not, very active. Love sports. Going to sports games. Be with family, friends. I love laughing. So anytime I can get a good joke in, a good comedy show, good concert, just love to to have a good time and to laugh and be with family and friends.
Bob Riney 14:02
I have a sense that great things are going to continue under your leadership. Excited to see what happens. Excited to partner with you. And thanks for being on The BOBcast.
Mayor Mary Sheffield 14:10
Excited as well.