MoveDetroit Coalition Launches to Lead Historic, First-of-its-Kind Effort to Grow Detroit’s Population

• MoveDetroit is a city-wide economic growth effort for all Detroiters - current and future – led by Michigan’s former Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe in partnership with Mayor Mary Sheffield, and powered by residents, businesses, and community organizations.
• The nonprofit’s flagship program, Make Detroit Home, will award $500,000 to assist 313 Detroiters with funding for business projects, down payments, home renovations, rent, or relocation assistance. Applications are now open at MoveDetroit.com.

DETROIT, Mich. (March 31, 2026) – In a speech focused on the city’s future, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield used her first State of the City address this evening to announce the formation of the MoveDetroit Coalition, a first-of-its-kind effort launching in partnership with Mayor Sheffield, whose Stay, Return and Move initiative set the vision for retaining current residents and attracting new Detroiters to grow the city’s population and economy.

The nonprofit coalition is composed of corporations, foundations, economic development, labor, community, and neighborhood organizations – paired with residents – working together to build on the city’s momentum and usher in accelerated growth in Detroit. MoveDetroit will create and launch coordinated talent retention and attraction programs; marketing and storytelling to position Detroit as the premiere destination to live, work, and host events; policy initiatives; and connect businesses and residents to resources and opportunities to grow their futures. 

To kickstart this coordinated effort, MoveDetroit announced the creation of the ‘Make Detroit Home’ program, now accepting applications. The program is designed to retain current residents as they build their futures in Detroit, welcome back former Detroiters, and attract new residents to the city.  

“There has never been a city-wide effort of this magnitude, with support from this many organizations to grow Detroit’s population and economy. Growth in Detroit means a stronger and more resilient economy and a city that better meets the needs of its residents. That’s why growth work is a key pillar of our administration,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield. “MoveDetroit is helping us take action on that goal. With ‘Make Detroit Home,’ we’re making it easier for anyone to choose Detroit – whether that means staying, returning or putting down roots here for the first time.”

MoveDetroit is led by Detroit resident Hilary Doe, Michigan’s former Chief Growth Officer, who was tasked with leading the state’s most ambitious population growth effort. Under her leadership, the state advanced talent retention and attraction strategies that helped drive economic growth in communities across the state. U.S. Census Bureau data released in January shows Michigan’s momentum, with the state gaining more residents than it lost domestically for the first time since the early 1990s.

“Detroit’s greatest strength has always been its people. MoveDetroit is a growth engine built to be powered by people from every sector and corner of our city, with the goal of ensuring all Detroiters can build their brightest futures right here,” said Doe. “The foundation of any good growth effort is retention. MoveDetroit is approaching this work with that mindset, focusing on programs and initiatives to support Detroiters' in choosing to stay and prosper long-term. When we succeed at that, it becomes a powerful signal for others to return home. The programs we’re rolling out in the coming weeks will center the voices of Detroiters, ensuring their lived experiences and feedback drive and shape this work.”

The coalition brings members from the public and private sectors together under one umbrella, leveraging the strengths and networks of aligned talent retention and attraction strategies, while centering the voices of Detroiters to grow the city’s population and economy.

As MoveDetroit’s honorary chair, Rocket Companies, ROCK and Bedrock founder and chairman Dan Gilbert has been instrumental in bringing members together to align and work towards a shared vision.

“Detroit is a place where you build, grow, and win,” Gilbert said. “This city has the grit and assets to compete with anywhere in the country for talent. People are choosing Detroit for its culture, energy, and opportunity. MoveDetroit is about numerous organizations coming together to double down, ensuring that Detroit accelerates its growth even further.”

MoveDetroit is rapidly expanding. Initial members include Bamboo, Barton Malow, Bedrock, Belle Isle Conservancy, Black Tech Saturdays, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Brinker Group, City of Detroit, City Institute, Design Core Detroit, Detroit Economic Club, Detroit Future City, Detroit Homecoming, Detroit Opera, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Detroit Venture Partners, Downtown Detroit Partnership, DTE Energy, Femology, Fifth Third Bank, Focus: Hope, Gardner White, Gilbert Family Foundation, General Motors, Henry Ford Health, JPMorganChase, Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, Library Street Collective, L!fe Leaders, Michigan Central, Michigan State University, Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, Pensole Lewis College, Pistons, Rocket, SEMCOG, Shinola, Skillman Foundation, StockX, Supper, University of Michigan, Urge Imprint, Visit Detroit, Wayne State University, Woodward Original, and WSP. 

“While other cities refuse to take on these big challenges, we’re leaning in and getting it done together,” said Co-founder of Black Tech Saturdays and MoveDetroit community member Alexa Turnage. “I know we will reach our goals because Detroiters are innovative, creative, and never quit. We truly move the world. That’s what I love about living here and am excited to join forces with organizations across the city to lead the way like only Detroit can.”

A comprehensive website will launch later this summer, where users can learn more about the city's unique neighborhoods through the eyes of Detroiters, assistance and attraction programs, and event details as they become available. Visit MoveDetroit.com to sign up and receive updates. 

‘Make Detroit Home’ Funding Available for 313 Detroiters 

As part of MoveDetroit’s inaugural program, ‘Make Detroit Home’ will initially award $500,000 in program benefits to 313 Detroiters to help current residents stay and build in Detroit, while welcoming new and former Detroiters back home to the city. 

Make Detroit Home's program benefits are data-backed and intentionally designed to support retention. They include funding for business projects, down payments, home renovations, rent, or relocation assistance. Selected participants will also receive wraparound support including access to industry and community events, quality of life enhancements like park passes, discounts to local businesses and experiences.

Recognizing their vital role in Detroit’s population and economic growth, ‘Make Detroit Home’ will prioritize current residents working in creative industries, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, with additional opportunities for new and returning Detroiters.

Applications are being accepted now through the end of May. 

For more information on program benefits and eligibility, visit MoveDetroit.com.