Residents can participate in city government in many ways, including:

• Voting in elections
• Attending public meetings
• Speaking during public comment
• Joining neighborhood organizations
• Serving on boards and commissions
• Contacting elected officials
• Participating in community engagement meetings

Public participation helps shape policies, projects, and neighborhood priorities.

Detroit residents can typically provide public comment during City Council meetings.

Public comment allows residents to share opinions, concerns, or feedback directly with councilmembers during designated portions of meetings.

Meeting schedules, agendas, and participation information are publicly available.

Detroit residents vote in local elections to choose leaders such as:

• The Mayor
• Detroit City Councilmembers
• Some local judges
• Other public offices depending on the election cycle

Elections may also include ballot proposals involving funding, policies, or charter changes.

Local elections directly influence decisions involving:

• Public safety
• Housing
• Roads
• Transit
• Neighborhood investment
• Parks
• Development
• Public services

Local government decisions often have the most immediate impact on residents’ daily lives.