Detroit mayor unveils population growth initiative, $21.45 minimum wage for city workers in 1st state of city
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield delivered her first state of the city address on Tuesday, highlighting ambitious plans to push the city forward. One of those major moves is called the Move Detroit Coalition, an effort to grow the city's population.
"Really a historic effort here in Detroit to help keep Detroiters right here so they can build their brightest future here and attract others to come and join us," said Move Detroit Coalition President and CEO Hilary Doe. "The intention is to really lock arms with the city itself to listen to Detroiters in what they want and need in a place to call home and then deliver programming that will support them in their decisions to choose to stay, while inviting former Detroiters to come back home."
Doe tells CBS Detroit that Move Detroit is a partnership with the city, residents and nearly 40 organizations to help shape the city's economic growth.
The centerpiece of the initiative is the Move Detroit Coalition, a partnership bringing together the city, residents, and nearly 40 organizations to shape Detroit's economic growth.
"We'll award $500,000 to 313 Detroiters, current and future Detroiters. We know people are our greatest asset, they're Detroit's greatest strength. They're also the foundation of effective, long-term, healthy economic growth," said Doe.
The funds can be used for home purchases, rent, renovations, relocation costs, and business projects, according to Doe.
The coalition is designed to listen to what Detroit residents want and need in a place to call home, then deliver programs to support their decision to stay while inviting former residents to return, Doe said.
CBS News Detroit spoke to Detroiters who tell us they're on board with the coalition.
"After seeing the momentum that Detroit's been having for the past few years, I think it's a place where people want to be a part of. I think it's going to lead to some good things in Detroit," said Ricardo Velez.
"I think that's actually great. It will probably help the inner neighborhoods, which has been a struggle for a long time," lifelong Detroiter Earl Oneal stated. "Definitely gives them a stepping stone and a way to breathe, not having to work two and three jobs to make a living."
Sheffield is also keeping to her pledge to address poverty. She's now raised the minimum wage for city employees to $21.45 an hour starting in July to ensure they're paid a livable salary.
"I wish she would go a little bit higher, but that's a good start. You have to have a nice wage in order to maintain," said 30-year resident Cassandra Hunter.
