Detroit, December 30, 2025
In a historic election, Mary Sheffield has been elected as Detroit’s first female mayor, defeating Rev. Solomon Kinloch. Sheffield, who aims to improve education, public safety, and neighborhood revitalization, will take office in January, succeeding three-term Mayor Mike Duggan. This milestone marks a significant change in Detroit’s political landscape as the city looks forward to a new era of leadership.
Detroit’s Top 10 News Stories of 2025
As 2025 concludes, Detroit has experienced significant developments across various sectors, marking a transformative year for the city. Below are the top 10 news stories that have shaped Detroit this year.
1. Mary Sheffield Elected as Detroit’s First Female Mayor
In a historic election, Democrat Mary Sheffield was elected as Detroit’s first female mayor. Sheffield, who has served as City Council President since 2013, defeated popular megachurch pastor Rev. Solomon Kinloch in the general election. She is set to take office in January, succeeding three-term Mayor Mike Duggan. Sheffield’s campaign focused on enhancing education, public safety, and neighborhood revitalization.
2. Detroit’s Population Sees Significant Growth
Detroit experienced its largest population increase in decades, with a 1.1% growth in 2024, bringing the city’s population to 645,700. This growth is attributed to factors such as revitalized neighborhoods, new residential developments, reduced crime rates, and a vibrant entertainment scene. The U.S. Census Bureau’s revised counting methods also contributed to this positive trend.
3. Historic $2 Million Donation to InsideOut Literary Arts
InsideOut Literary Arts, a Detroit-based organization dedicated to empowering youth through writing, received a historic $2 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and her Yield Giving foundation. This substantial contribution is the largest individual donation in the organization’s history and will significantly enhance its programs for young writers in Detroit.
4. Major Redevelopment of the Gratiot Site
The Gratiot Site, a historically significant area in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood, is undergoing a major redevelopment. The project aims to create a hub for innovation, equity, and community growth, featuring lab spaces, business support services, and a central park. This initiative is expected to attract startups, develop talent, and create high-paying job opportunities in life sciences and technology.
5. Launch of the Mobile STEAM Lab by Girl Scouts
The Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan launched a Mobile STEAM Lab, a traveling classroom designed to engage students in grades K-5 in immersive learning experiences across science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Funded by General Motors, Comcast, and the Vilcek Foundation, the initiative aims to inspire future innovators, especially among underserved communities in the Detroit area.
6. Completion of the Hudson’s Detroit Development
The Hudson’s Detroit development, a mixed-use building complex in downtown Detroit, was completed in August 2025. The project includes a 49-story skyscraper with a hotel and condominiums, and a 12-story mid-rise building containing commercial offices, retail space, and a conference center. The taller tower is now the second-tallest building in Detroit and Michigan.
7. Significant Reduction in Homicide Rates
Detroit’s homicide rates dropped drastically in 2024, with 200 homicides recorded as of December 20, compared to 242 in 2023. This 17.4% year-over-year decrease reflects the city’s commitment to public safety and community-driven programs. Non-fatal shootings also fell by 24.3%, indicating a positive trend in crime reduction.
8. Revitalization of Palmer Park’s Witherell Woods
Palmer Park’s Witherell Woods underwent significant restoration, including the rehabilitation of Lake Frances, preservation of historic structures, and the creation of new recreational spaces. The project aims to enhance the park’s ecological health and provide accessible green spaces for the community.
9. Launch of the $100,000 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest
The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, organized by TechTown, returned with increased support from Comerica Bank. The contest aims to support and fund innovative business ideas in Detroit, with previous winners opening more than 50 businesses and creating over 500 jobs. The 2025 contest is expected to further stimulate the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
10. Detroit’s Tech Ecosystem Continues to Thrive
Detroit’s tech scene has experienced significant growth, with the startup ecosystem ranking as the second fastest-growing globally. The city has become a hub for innovation, particularly in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Education initiatives and workforce support programs are further enhancing opportunities in the tech sector.
These developments highlight Detroit’s ongoing transformation and resilience, positioning the city for continued growth and success in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Mary Sheffield?
Mary Sheffield is a Democrat who was elected as Detroit’s first female mayor in November 2025. She has served as City Council President since 2013 and is set to take office in January 2026, succeeding three-term Mayor Mike Duggan. Sheffield’s campaign focused on enhancing education, public safety, and neighborhood revitalization.
What is the Gratiot Site redevelopment project?
The Gratiot Site redevelopment is a major project in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood aimed at creating a hub for innovation, equity, and community growth. The project includes lab spaces, business support services, and a central park, with the goal of attracting startups, developing talent, and creating high-paying job opportunities in life sciences and technology.
What is the Mobile STEAM Lab by Girl Scouts?
The Mobile STEAM Lab is a traveling classroom launched by the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. Designed to engage students in grades K-5 in immersive learning experiences across science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, the initiative aims to inspire future innovators, especially among underserved communities in the Detroit area.
What is the Hudson’s Detroit development?
The Hudson’s Detroit development is a mixed-use building complex in downtown Detroit, completed in August 2025. It includes a 49-story skyscraper with a hotel and condominiums, and a 12-story mid-rise building containing commercial offices, retail space, and a conference center. The taller tower is now the second-tallest building in Detroit and Michigan.
What is the significance of the $2 million donation to InsideOut Literary Arts?
The $2 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and her Yield Giving foundation is the largest individual donation in the history of InsideOut Literary Arts. This substantial contribution will significantly enhance the organization’s programs, empowering young writers in Detroit and supporting their creative development.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Historic Election | Mary Sheffield becomes Detroit’s first female mayor, focusing on education, public safety, and neighborhood revitalization. |
| Population Growth | Detroit’s population increases by 1.1% in 2024, attributed to revitalized neighborhoods and reduced crime rates. |
| Major Donation | InsideOut Literary Arts receives a $2 million donation from MacKenzie Scott, enhancing programs for young writers. |
| Gratiot Site Redevelopment | Redevelopment project aims to create a hub for innovation and community growth in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood. |
| Mobile STEAM Lab | Girl Scouts launch a traveling classroom to engage K-5 students in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
