The goal of this non-partisan, candidate agnostic project is to create a robust list of qualified candidates ready and willing to join city government to take the city of Detroit to the next level in the next administration. Whoever becomes mayor will have the important job of delegating responsibility for key areas across the government. This project is designed both to give the new mayor a head start to hit the ground running, and to ensure that the mayor has a group of people around them who are committed to the common good.

This project is key now because of where we are as a city. Our outgoing mayor was in the position for over a decade and so much has changed since then. Now, as the financial crisis and bankruptcy fade in the rear view mirror, we face critical challenges of how development happens in the city, how we contend with an increasingly aggressive federal government and other major crises. We don’t just need a strong singular leader, we need a group of strong leaders who can fight for the well being of the city. Furthermore, these are very good jobs with above average pay and the ability to contribute to the city at a critical time.

Ultimately the success of this project rests with whoever becomes the new mayor. There are enough people within the city who have already shown massive interest in serving in the city government and this project will identify hundreds of them. If a new mayor wants leaders committed to the common good, many of these leaders will be appointed to the city’s government.

This is an independent project not affiliated with any candidate. We are fiscally sponsored by 482Forward. Our work is made possible through the support of local foundations committed to good governance.

Our project posted an open call for candidates on several prominent sites around the city. These candidate calls featured broad criteria that loosely match with important roles and functions of city government. A group of local organizations identified a set of criteria and questions for the candidates to answer. That group identified particularly attractive candidates. Ultimately the candidates must go through the normal process to come into city government.

Our group is focused on attempting to identify candidates in the city of Detroit who represent the city’s diverse communities. The group also focused on demonstrating commitment to the common good, defined as people who value the well being of everyday residents over business.

No. This project has no preference of candidate, does not plan to endorse a candidate, and does not plan to lobby in any way. This is a public service for the city and any candidate is free to use our resources. ​We want the new mayor to help set the new mayor up for success.

This website, detroitcityappointmentsproject.com is the site for submitting candidate information. Click here to do so.

The salary range for these types of city positions has a wide range dependent on department and experience level. Generally there is a range of approximately $55,000 at the low end to approximately $250,000 at the high end. Ultimately the salary is set by the new administration.​

Yes. All names submitted to DCAP will be kept completely confidential unless given explicit permission from the person whose name is submitted. The final list of names will be shared with the mayor elect as a list of hiring suggestions. DCAP will not contact employers or references.

No. There will be turnover in the new administration as people move on to new opportunities and as the mayor works to establish their priorities. Indeed many current city employees meet the very standards we are looking for and we hope those employees remain in service.

This project is directed by Maurice Weeks. Maurice is the founder and former director of a national economic and racial justice organization and a long time community organizer, policy expert, and economist. You can find more about his previous work at mauricebpweeks.com.