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EngagedMI

 

 

Welcome to ENGAGEDMI

EngagedMI is your guide to understanding how city government works — and why it matters.

Built for Detroiters and communities across Michigan, this site brings together the information, tools, and context we all need to make sense of who holds power, how decisions get made, and how everyday people can shape the future of their cities.

WHY LOCAL GOVERNMENT?

The most direct impacts on your life — the bus that runs (or doesn’t), the lights on your street, the way your neighborhood is developed — are shaped by city government.

Through this site, you can explore:

  • The role of the Mayor as the city’s chief executive
  • What City Council members actually do, and how to hold them accountable
  • How city budgets work, and why they reflect the city’s values
  • What powers residents already have, and how to use them
  • How big decisions — about land, safety, housing, and jobs — get made
We make it plain, relevant, and rooted in community.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND ON ENGAGEDMI

  • Easy-to-understand breakdowns of city systems
  • Interactive tools to explore the city budget, land use, and development deals
  • District-specific resources to help you connect with your local officials
  • Historical context to help make sense of how Detroit got here
  • Action pathways — not just for voting, but for organizing, advocating, and staying informed 

WHO THIS IS FOR

Whether you’re:

  • A first-time voter
  • A longtime resident
  • A student, organizer, teacher, or community leadeR
  • Or just someone who wants to know more —

EngagedMI is for you.

No gatekeeping. No assumptions. Just tools to help you and your neighbors make sense of the city you live in — and the government meant to serve it.

OUR BELIEF

Informed communities build better government.

We believe civic education should be ongoing, accessible, and grounded in justice. We believe that Detroit — and cities like it — deserve leadership that’s accountable, transparent, and community-led.

But that starts with understanding the system — and seeing where you fit in.

READY TO LEARN MORE?

  • Who controls what in Detroit?
  • How can residents influence decisions about housing, safety, and public land?
  • What tools do you need to make sense of city meetings, budgets, and laws?