by
Melia Howard
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced Wednesday the appointment of Melia Howard as the new deputy mayor. She becomes the second woman to ever serve as a Detroit deputy mayor.
She will replace Todd Bettison who will become new interim police chief on Nov. 11. Bettison said Saturday on the podcast "Detroit in Black and White" that he's confident he'll be appointed the permanent chief.
A press release describes Howard as a longtime advisor on neighborhood economic development, community organizer and resident advocate.
She has served as the mayor’s Director of Community Engagement for the past two years.
"She has played a key role in building community support for many of the city’s marquee development projects by making sure they had a voice in the process and a role in shaping each project’s community benefits agreement," the press release says. "Prior to that, she was Director of Special Projects and also served as Department of Neighborhoods manager for District 5."
Duggan issued a statement:
“Melia has been a fierce advocate for residents and absolutely critical in making sure Detroiters have a strong voice at City Hall and in developments proposed in their neighborhoods. Projects like the renovation of Michigan Central and Fisher Body 21, as well as the $3 billion Future of Health development, might not have happened if not for the trust Melia has built in the community and among developers.”
Howard said in a statement:
“As a little girl from the eastside, I never thought this was possible and I am truly humbled and honored that Mayor Duggan has trusted me with this enormous opportunity. My residents mean so much to me and I will continue to work hard for them.”
