DETROIT (WXYZ) — Tonight, Detroiters will be paying close attention as Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield delivers her first State of the City Address. It's a chance for the mayor to tout her achievements in office so far and lay out her plans for the future.
Click here to watch live streaming coverage of the speech at 7pm
We spoke to Detroiters and someone who works in the city about what they hope to hear from Mayor Sheffield tonight.
Watch Whitney Burney's video report:
In the address happening at Mumford High School, Mayor Sheffield is expected to address several hot button issues including neighborhood investment.
Sheffield is also set to announce several initiatives including a plan to ensure free transportation for k-12 students in Detroit. Additionally, Sheffield is set to talk about a new initiative within the Detroit Police Department to decrease property crimes like larceny from vehicles and stores.
Watch Christiana's report in the video player below
People who live and work in Detroit say that is exactly what they want to see more done for neighborhoods and better investment in education. Some would also like to see amped policing and a more robust public transportation system.
“The public school system," said Detroiter Justice Givhan. "I feel like Detroit deserves better education for our youth and like the ability to try to compete with other cities and other countries, so I feel like the public school system for sure is something I want to see some positive changes impacting."
“I do want to see a difference as far as like the community, how much we’re investing back because in the last 10 years we invested so much back into Detroit and it's turning around, so I want to see more people come here and lift it up," said Detroiter Star Vaughn.
“I like what’s going on here. I hope they can keep it going, keep it clean, keep it safe, and just keep building," said Jacob Hemme, who works in Detroit.
"I’ve seen a lot of improvement because I’m born and raised here for about 40 years. But if there was something that could improve anymore I’d say more police around public parks," said Shaddad Mansoob who lives in Southwest Detroit. "They did a lot of improvement to the riverwalk/ downtown area. I think it’s just now trickling down to the inner city. That would be amazing."
"I feel like they focus mostly downtown and I feel like we could use a lot of work in the outer city," said Taryn Smith who is from the west side of Detroit. "Definitely housing and education and transportation. I feel like a lot of people have a hard time getting down town or around the city."
Mayor Sheffield is also expected to share more about plans to retain Detroit's population. For years, the city has seen a steady decline of its population with small gains in recent years. Sheffield is hopeful to entice more people to call the city home in the coming year.
Business owners and people who work in the city say they're looking forward to seeing the results.
"They have so many goals in place from around housing to schools to small businesses and I’m just excited to see her build upon what’s she’s already started these first 100 days," said Clement Brown Jr. "I think we’re in a great position. I’m very optimistic about the future. It’s obviously a very strong energy around the city’s momentum and so I’m excited."
"I moved to Michigan maybe 5 years ago and lived in new center when I first moved here and just seeing the growth everywhere especially here in Corktown... everything’s up and coming," said Zachary Schallenberger. "I’m a huge advocate for Detroit trying to get my friends to come out here, check it out as maybe an alternative to New York or Chicago."
Sheffield is set to speak at 7 p.m. this evening; we'll be streaming her address live on our website and on our social media platforms.
