Move Detroit launches Neighborhood Ambassador Program to help grow city's population
The Move Detroit Coalition, a group focused on growing the city's population, launched its second program this week called the Neighborhood Ambassador Program.
President and CEO Hilary Doe says the idea behind the Move Detroit Coalition is simple.
"Grow our city, help retain residents who are already here and ensure they can build their brightest future here while welcoming others back to come and join us," Doe said.
The coalition is partnering with the city, residents, businesses, universities, and nearly 50 organizations to build Detroit's future.
Dan Gilbert, chairman of Move Detroit and founder and chairman of Rocket Companies, ROCK and Bedrock, says it's important to engage community members to share the city's story both locally and globally.
"Detroit's story is best told by the people who are building their lives here every day," Gilbert said. "That's how you build pride and create momentum. When we come together to drive growth and amplify the voices of the people who know this city best, we show what makes Detroit so special: its resilience, spirit, and the opportunity here for anyone willing to be part of its future."
Gilbert has also pledged to match every dollar raised by the coalition in its first year, affirming his commitment to the initiative.
This week, Move Detroit launched its first program, Make Detroit Home, which will provide direct financial support to 313 current and future Detroit residents.
On Thursday, the coalition announced its second program called the Neighborhood Ambassador Program.
"It's going to allow Detroiters to tell the story of our city, to really market Detroit as a place to live and return. We can't talk about growth in Detroit without having Detroiters centered in that conversation," said Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield.
The program puts residents at the center, making them the backbone of Move Detroit.
"This program is going to be an incredible asset as we hope to continue to grow the city of Detroit. While we know what's amazing and what's wonderful here, this is the kind of work that is going to help us amplify that message," said lifelong resident Nicole Brown.
The coalition will choose at least 100 residents to serve as ambassadors.
"They'll be able to contribute to our strategy, help inform our programming, marketing and messaging," Doe said.
For many, Detroit is known as a destination city, and Move Detroit says this program will elevate the voices of community leaders and drive the city's growth.
"There are a lot of people who are curious about Detroit, and I think with having a plethora of different ambassadors throughout the city advocating about moving here, it is really going to get the right people to move here for the right reasons," said resident Erica Jackson.
Applications are now open. Move Detroit is encouraging people to nominate local leaders on the coalition's website who residents feel have a big impact. Move Detroit will announce selected ambassadors in June.
