By LPL Staff | LPL News Wire| January 1, 2026

DETROIT, MI — January 1, 2026 — Mary Sheffield was officially sworn in Thursday morning as Detroit’s 76th mayor, becoming the first woman to lead the city in its more than 300-year history.

Sheffield took the oath of office at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, administered by Janice M. Winfrey, with family members in attendance. In her remarks, Sheffield called the moment one of progress and possibility, pledging to work toward an inclusive and equitable future for all Detroit neighborhoods.

Her administration will focus on strengthening neighborhoods, public safety, education and job opportunities, affordable housing, homelessness, and sustainable growth.

Reflecting her service-first approach, Sheffield spent her first day as mayor thanking Detroit’s first responders and community partners. She visited fire and police stations and later served meals at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, underscoring her commitment to supporting both city workers and Detroiters most in need.

City officials said the mayor’s first-day schedule set the tone for a hands-on administration grounded in visibility and collaboration. Community leaders praised the outreach, noting it signaled early engagement with frontline workers and nonprofit partners across Detroit.

“This work begins by meeting people where they are and letting them know they are valued,” Sheffield said.