City of Detroit

Driving Innovation Through Incremental Progress

Innovation is everywhere and in everything. Often, the most meaningful breakthroughs are the ones we eventually take for granted. While we should always strive to improve, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the greatest impact, especially in city government, often comes through thoughtful, incremental progress.

A new technology, product or process can become a lasting legacy. Think of the automobile in Detroit, aviation in Washington state or the internet in California. But if you consider the innovations you could not live without in your own daily life, many are far less monumental. As city leaders, we have to pursue both by continuously improving quality of life today while investing in the transformative ideas that will define Detroit's future.

Building Strong Partnerships Across Sectors

Big tents matter. Leadership means recognizing that the best ideas and outcomes rarely come from one organization working alone. That is why we are intentional about describing Detroit's industrial landscape as an ecosystem, one that is dynamic, interconnected and constantly evolving.

As technology continues to reshape nearly every industry, success depends on our ability to bring together partners across government, business, academia and the community. The lines between traditional industries are increasingly blurred, requiring new approaches to collaboration. Sometimes that means building entirely new partnerships. Other times it means reimagining how long-standing partners can work together to solve today's challenges.

Evaluating Opportunities for Long-Term Community Impact

The first questions are always, "How does this benefit our community?" and "Who can help make it successful?"

The greatest impact comes from aligning innovation with community needs and ensuring the right partners are invested in its success.

Detroit has one of the country's most diverse innovation ecosystems, with public, private, nonprofit and academic partners capable of turning ambitious ideas into reality. That is an incredible strength, but it also requires discipline. Every initiative should have a clear public benefit and the right coalition behind it. Long-term impact comes from aligning innovation with community needs and ensuring the right partners are invested in its success.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Future of Cities

Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly shape the future of cities and local economies. Used responsibly, AI can improve efficiency, strengthen decision-making, enhance public services and help governments deliver better outcomes for residents while supporting economic growth. That opportunity is especially significant in cities like Detroit, where multiple technology-enabled industries intersect.

At the same time, AI must be implemented thoughtfully. Overreliance on AI or treating it as an unquestioned source of truth risks overlooking context, experience and decades of established practice. Like any transformative technology, its value depends on thoughtful governance, responsible implementation and keeping people, not technology, at the center of decision-making.

Advice for Future Innovation and Public-Sector Leaders

Be curious. Work to understand the people you work and partner with. Ask questions, not just about what they do, but how they think, what motivates them and what has shaped their perspective. Our work is ultimately a reflection of our lived experiences and every person brings something unique to the table.

Innovation, economic development and public service are broad fields with incredibly diverse career paths, but one thing remains constant. Empathy, collaboration and a willingness to learn from others are just as important as technical expertise. Find opportunities that allow you to work across disciplines and with a wide range of stakeholders. That is where meaningful innovation happens.