The City of Detroit is responsible for many of the services and systems residents rely on every day, including public safety, parks, recreation centers, city streets, buses, sanitation, blight removal, economic development, permitting, and more.

City government also helps shape long-term priorities involving housing, transportation, neighborhood investment, economic growth, and public spaces.

Detroit operates under a “strong mayor” form of government. The mayor oversees city departments and manages the day-to-day operations of city government, while Detroit City Council serves as the legislative branch that passes laws, approves budgets, and represents residents.

Detroit’s government includes:

• The Mayor’s Office
• Detroit City Council
• City departments and agencies
• Boards and commissions
• Independent offices created by the city charter

Each plays a different role in how decisions are made and how services are delivered.

Different cities across the country use different forms of government. Detroit’s system is designed to create clear executive leadership while maintaining checks and balances between branches of government.

The mayor serves as the city’s chief executive officer and is responsible for overseeing city government operations.

The mayor:

• Oversees city departments
• Proposes the city budget
• Appoints department directors and certain board members
• Signs or vetoes legislation passed by City Council
• Sets priorities and policy direction
• Represents the city publicly and works with local, state, and federal partners

The mayor cannot create laws alone or spend city money without budget approval.

Detroit City Council is the city’s legislative branch and represents Detroit residents through elected district and at-large councilmembers.

City Council:

• Passes ordinances and resolutions
• Approves the city budget
• Holds public hearings
• Approves certain contracts and development agreements
• Confirms some mayoral appointments
• Provides oversight of city government operations

Council decisions are made through public meetings and votes.

Detroit operates under the Detroit City Charter, which serves as the city’s foundational governing document — similar to a constitution for city government. The Charter establishes the structure of local government, outlines the powers and responsibilities of elected officials and departments, and defines many of the rules that guide how the city operates.

Detroit’s current Charter was approved by voters in 2011 and took effect in 2012, following one of the most significant periods in the city’s modern history. Over time, the Charter has evolved alongside Detroit itself, reflecting changes in the city’s population, economy, governance, and priorities.

View the current Detroit City Charter.

The mayor and City Council have different responsibilities and powers.

The mayor manages city operations and carries out policies. City Council creates laws, approves budgets, and provides oversight.

In simple terms:

• The mayor runs the administration
• City Council creates and approves legislation

Many major decisions require both branches to work together.

Detroit city government is made up of departments and agencies that focus on specific services and responsibilities.

Examples include:

• Public Works
• Police
• Fire
• Parks and Recreation
• Housing and Revitalization
• Transportation
• Planning and Development
• Human Resources
• Health and Human Services

Most departments are overseen by directors appointed by the mayor. Departments work together to deliver city services, implement policies, and carry out programs across Detroit neighborhoods.

Detroit city government is accountable to residents through elections, public meetings, financial oversight, ethics rules, audits, and transparency laws.

Oversight can include:

• Detroit voters
• Detroit City Council
• Independent oversight offices
• Financial audits
• State and federal laws
• Public records requirements
• Open meetings laws

Residents can also participate in public meetings, contact elected officials, and provide input on city decisions and policies.

Not every issue in Detroit is controlled by city government.

Some responsibilities belong to:

• The State of Michigan
• Wayne County
• Federal agencies
• Regional authorities
• Private companies

For example:

• Freeways are generally maintained by the state
• Detroit Public Schools Community District operates separately from city government
• DTE Energy is a private utility company
• Some regional transit services operate outside direct city control

Many major issues require coordination between multiple governments and organizations.

Government responsibilities are divided across different levels.

City government

Handles local services like police, fire, parks, sanitation, local roads, and city planning.

County government

Provides services across Wayne County, including courts, jails, elections administration, public health functions, and property records.

State government

Oversees statewide laws, highways, education policy, and many funding systems that affect cities.

Federal government

Handles national responsibilities like immigration, national defense, Social Security, and federal funding programs.

Many issues involve multiple levels of government working together. For example, housing, transportation, and infrastructure projects are often funded and coordinated through city, state, and federal partnerships.