Mary Sheffield, a political phenom whose rise began when she was elected to Detroit City Council at age 26, made history Thursday when she was sworn in as the city’s first woman mayor.
In her first one-on-one interview since taking office, Sheffield spoke with Metro Times about making history as Detroit’s first woman mayor, how she wants residents to judge her success, the balance between downtown development and neighborhood needs, and the priorities she plans to tackle in her first term. She also opened up about her recent marriage and her relationship with God.
Sheffield’s inauguration marks the start of a new era in city government, ending a 324-year stretch in which men led Detroit.
Now 38, Sheffield has become a popular figure in city politics by promoting progressive values, advocating for racial equality, and championing policies aimed at narrowing the economic divide.
Sheffield won the general election with 77% of the vote in November, delivering a decisive mandate for a platform centered on equity, neighborhood investment, and structural reforms designed to improve residents’ quality of life.
She now faces daunting and serious challenges. Nearly half of Detroit’s children live in poverty, many neighborhoods continue to struggle with basic resources and disinvestment, and the city has seen a continued exodus of Black residents even as downtown has flourished.
Sheffield’s rise has been rapid and historic. In November 2013, Sheffield was 26 years old when she became the youngest person ever elected to Detroit City Council. She later became the council’s youngest president.
During her tenure on the council, Sheffield has become a leading advocate for affordable housing, tenants’ rights, neighborhood development, property tax reform, and environmental justice, often pushing back against large tax incentives for wealthy developers and calling for investment strategies that more directly benefit longtime Detroiters.
Sheffield succeeds Mike Duggan, who did not seek reelection after three terms and is now running for governor as an independent.
Metro Times: Yesterday, you became Detroit’s first woman mayor. What does that milestone mean to you personally, and what do you hope it means to women and girls growing up in the city?
Mayor Mary Sheffield: I think it means leadership has no gender, no age limit, and no ceiling. And for women, especially Black women, it affirms that our voices, our experiences, and our ideas belong at the highest levels of decision-making. I’ve watched so many young girls follow me throughout this campaign who feel inspired and empowered, and that’s what I’ve always wanted my leadership to reflect. It’s an indication to dream big, to work hard, and to know that we can all achieve what we put our minds to.
I also think it’s a powerful moment as it relates to attracting and retaining youth in Detroit. Hopefully this is an inspiration and motivation to want to be in Detroit. There are so many young professionals who I believe are encouraged and inspired to stay and come back to the city as well.
Metro Times: You became the youngest person ever elected to City Council at 26 and later the youngest council president. What has driven you, at such a young age, to serve?
Mayor Sheffield: It all goes back to my childhood. My life was really molded by service. It’s all I know. My father [Rev. Horace Sheffield III] was a civil rights activist and preacher, and my mother [Yvonne Lovett] was an educator at Wayne County Community College District and a professor of nursing. Both of them showed me that life is really all about serving.
Detroit is a city that shaped me and molded me into who I am. When I got into office at 26, I didn’t know I would have the impact I had in terms of legislative accomplishments, but it motivated me to understand how important these positions are in directly changing quality of life. Detroit has made tremendous progress, but there are still needs. That inspired me to continue serving now as mayor, to elevate the issues that matter to Detroiters and ensure that Detroit’s resurgence goes deeper into our neighborhoods.
Metro Times: When Mike Duggan was first elected in 2013, he said residents could judge his success by whether Detroit’s population increased. Is there a similar benchmark you want Detroiters to use to judge your administration?
Mayor Sheffield: For me, it’s really about overall quality of life. Whether that’s directing more money into our neighborhoods, making Detroit the best place to grow and start a business, creating more jobs, increasing incomes. I don’t think it’s one singular thing.
I want Detroiters to be able to say their quality of life is better because of this administration. That their neighborhood has investment. That their street lights are on. That they were able to access a home repair grant. If incomes are increased, mental health is better, and poverty is reduced, those are the things I want to be judged on.
Metro Times: Are there one or two priorities you want residents to see tangible action on in your first year?
Mayor Sheffield: First and foremost, we have to take bold steps around housing. I want to see more development of affordable housing, particularly access to homeownership. Increasing the number of residents who can become homeowners is very important to me.
Neighborhood reforms are also critical — basic infrastructure like sidewalk repairs, dangerous trees, alley cleaning, and overall neighborhood investment. We want to activate additional commercial corridors to support small businesses and bring vibrancy back to neighborhoods. And property tax reform is extremely important. It may take time, but providing relief from Detroit’s high millage rate is a priority.
Metro Times: Is there a neighborhood issue you think City Hall has underestimated or misunderstood for too long?
Mayor Sheffield: For me, it’s about creating a government that directly works for people and is easily accessible. We want to bring government back into the neighborhoods, whether that’s activating rec centers where residents can access city services or creating more community hubs.
There’s always room to improve customer service — how we respond when residents call about sidewalks or vacant buildings. Creating opportunity hubs throughout neighborhoods so people can easily access resources is something we’re committed to improving.
Metro Times: Former Mayor Duggan emphasized art and culture through murals and public projects. How important is it for your administration to continue elevating art and culture?
Mayor Sheffield: It’s extremely important. Arts and culture came up significantly throughout the campaign. We had a committee focused on it and met with many stakeholders. It’s an untapped economic engine that we haven’t fully utilized.
We’re looking at forming an office dedicated to the creative economy and taking mural arts and cultural investment to another level. Arts and culture are part of Detroit’s identity. They beautify neighborhoods, tell our story, and create opportunities for local artists. We want to make sure this work is valued and funded appropriately.
Metro Times: What part of being mayor do you think will be the hardest for you personally?
Mayor Sheffield: I really want to understand and listen to everyone’s perspective. I believe in leading with collaboration and making sure people feel seen, valued, and empowered. In a big city, there are many voices and ideas, and balancing that can be challenging.
Politically, the climate has changed, and we have to do more with less. And as a woman leader, there are different expectations and standards I’ll be judged by. That can be difficult. But I believe I was put here for a reason, and that God will equip me with what I need to serve Detroiters.
Metro Times: What keeps you optimistic about Detroit right now?
Mary Sheffield: The people. I’ve been inspired by the support from corporate leaders, grassroots organizers, faith communities — every sector of the city. There’s a shared belief that Detroit’s best days are ahead.
During the transition alone, we had 18 committees and more than 150 residents and business leaders give their time and expertise. That tells me people are deeply invested in Detroit’s future. No one wants to see this city go backward.
Metro Times: You’re known for progressive leadership and taking positions that weren’t always popular. What do you think people don’t know about you?
Mayor Sheffield: I’m very purpose-driven. I focus a lot on personal development and always trying to be better as a person and a leader. I’m very family-driven, and my relationship with God is central to who I am. I’m always working on improving myself.
Metro Times: You recently got married. Has your relationship with your husband Ricky Jackson Jr. shaped or grounded you as you take on the role of mayor?
Mayor Sheffield: Without a doubt. He brings a lot of stability and peace in the midst of what can be turbulent and chaotic times. He’s an anchor that keeps me grounded. I’m blessed to have someone by my side who shares a deep commitment to the betterment of Detroit. He’s from Detroit, went to Cass Tech, and has a passion for youth and sports. He’s been a true blessing throughout this process.
Metro Times: When things get overwhelming, how do you reset or ground yourself?
Mayor Sheffield: Stillness. Prayer. Being quiet and listening to my intuition. Finding ways to center myself and really listen.
Related story
Mary Sheffield wins big, becomes Detroit’s first woman mayor
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield will become the first…
This article appears in Jan. 7-20, 2026.