About citizendetroit

CitizenDetroit was established in 2012 at Wayne State University as a forum for citizens from across the city to come together and engage in discussions on a variety of subjects related to the financial stress that Detroit and its citizens were experiencing.

Goals

The goal of CitizenDetroit is to help residents think critically about candidates and emerging political issues — including budget, safety, transportation and other city challenges — so that we can engage more broadly in the political process and participate in elections. The program uses community-based gatherings, dialogue sessions, town hall meetings, social media and other resources to heighten residents’ knowledge of critical issues.

CitizenDetroit objectives:

• Educate voters and future voters about public policy, city governance and decision-making to think critically about political platforms and emerging issues.

• Inform citizens about entrenched policies that impede government’s ability to serve the needs of constituents.
• Engage participants and learn together how to set priorities among competing goals in the absence of unlimited finances and other resources.
• Mobilize residents and increase voter participation in city elections.

CitizenDetroit is made possible through Wayne State University and the generosity of The Eugene Applebaum Family Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.