Detroit has been recertified as a two-star Certified Welcoming city, recognizing the City’s efforts to ensure immigrants and residents of all backgrounds can access services, participate in civic life and feel connected to their community.

What is Certified Welcoming?

Certified Welcoming is a national designation from Welcoming America, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that evaluates how well communities include and support immigrants and refugees.

Detroit first earned the designation in 2022, becoming the first Certified Welcoming city in Michigan. Certification lasts four years, and communities must be reevaluated to maintain it.

What do two stars mean?

Certified Welcoming uses a five-star system to recognize different stages of progress. The stars are not a traditional rating. Each level has increasingly rigorous requirements.

To earn two stars, Detroit had to demonstrate that its policies, programs and partnerships meet all requirements at both the one- and two-star levels.

The review examined Detroit’s work in seven areas:

• Government and community leadership
• Civic engagement
• Access to programs and services
• Connections among communities
• Education
• Economic development
• Community safety

The process included a self-assessment, supporting evidence and an independent audit.

Why it matters to Detroiters

Detroit has been shaped by generations of people from around the world who have built businesses, strengthened neighborhoods and added to the city’s culture. Continuing to welcome new residents supports that legacy, and Detroit’s future.

For residents, the designation represents a commitment to making City information, services and opportunities easier to access, regardless of where someone was born or what language they speak. It also supports stronger relationships between residents, community organizations and local government.

Being a welcoming city can also help Detroit attract and retain workers, entrepreneurs, families and businesses. Communities that connect people with opportunity are better positioned to grow their population, strengthen their workforce and compete in a global economy.

Recertification also creates accountability. Detroit must provide evidence of its work, address areas for improvement and continue meeting the Welcoming Standard throughout the four-year certification period.

The designation does not mean the work is finished. It confirms that Detroit has built a strong foundation and provides a roadmap for making the city more accessible, connected and welcoming for everyone.

“Detroit has always been strengthened by people from different cultures, countries and backgrounds who chose to build their lives here,” Mayor Mary Sheffield said. “This recertification is more than a national recognition, it reflects our responsibility to make sure every resident can access City services, participate in civic life and share in Detroit’s growth. Being a welcoming city is not only part of our history; it is essential to our future.” 

Learn more about the Certified Welcoming program.