Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield said she’s focused on convincing the business community she’s the best partner for them as she seeks the nod for mayor. Sheffield said she’s “neutralizing” concerns that her administration will be anti-business. 

“That really is my whole mission here, to continue to meet with our philanthropic and corporate supporters,” Sheffield said. “There’s some unions represented here as well, and (I just want) to let them know that we need continued collaboration.” 

Sheffield spoke to BridgeDetroit during the Mackinac Policy Conference last week. She appeared at a debate on the island alongside fellow candidates Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig, City Council Member Fred Durhal III, former nonprofit CEO and Council President Saunteel Jenkins and Triumph Church Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. 

The council president said business leaders got to know Duggan over the last 12 years, and some are wondering how she will keep the momentum going. But Sheffield said her policy work on the council has always been focused on supporting businesses. 

“There is a tremendous amount of love for Mike Duggan, and I think there is some uncertainty,” Sheffield said. 

Sheffield said she’s looking forward to passing reforms to streamline Detroit’s restaurant regulatory process, which also has support of her mayoral rival and fellow council member Durhal. The plan will consolidate two types of licenses into one, speed up permitting approvals and create a business concierge team to help entrepreneurs navigate the process.

We Are Culture Creators Co-Founder Michael Reyes said he’s also looking for a smoother process for events permitting. He’s encountered myriad frustrations with the city while trying to host art and music events.

Sheffield, who recently joined Reyes for a conversation on arts and culture, agreed. She wants to encourage an environment where cultural events thrive. 

“We want to have safe spaces in our city, but we want to make it a clear process that everyone can adhere to and be able to have a successful and productive event,” Sheffield. “If we can do it for the NFL, the Grand Prix, Movement, where we have these large gatherings, we can definitely do it for smaller events.”