Melia Howard Appointed Deputy Mayor of Detroit

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has appointed Melia Howard as the city's new Deputy Mayor, making her the second woman to hold this position in Detroit's history. Howard, who previously served as the Director of Community Engagement, is recognized for her advocacy work that ensures residents have a prominent voice in local development projects, including the renovation of Michigan Central Station and the $3 billion Future of Health initiative. Her leadership is part of a broader legacy of Black women leaders in Detroit, following Nettie Seabrooks, the first woman to serve as Deputy Mayor from 1994 to 1997. Howard expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing her commitment to serving the residents of Detroit. She will also continue to lead initiatives related to community violence intervention and educational programs for local youth. Duggan praised her as a 'fierce advocate' whose trust has been pivotal in community-developer relations.