Detroit Selects 100 Residents as Neighborhood Ambassadors To Drive Population Growth

The Move Detroit Coalition kicked off a Neighborhood Ambassador Program on Thursday. At least 100 residents will be picked to help grow the city's population. Applications are open now. The coalition will name selected ambassadors in June.

The program asks residents to put forward neighbors and community leaders who have made a difference in their areas. What will ambassadors do? They'll tell the city's story, build programs and messages, and help bring in new residents while keeping current ones around.

"It's going to allow Detroiters to tell the story of our city, to really market Detroit as a place to live and return," said Mayor Mary Sheffield, per CBS Detroit. "We can't talk about growth in Detroit without having Detroiters centered in that conversation."

Dan Gilbert chairs the coalition and founded Rocket Companies. He stressed how community voices matter when promoting the city. Gilbert has pledged to match every dollar raised by the coalition in its first year.

"Detroit's story is best told by the people who are building their lives here every day," Gilbert said. "That's how you build pride and create momentum."

President and CEO Hilary Doe said ambassadors will add to strategy and help inform programming and marketing. They'll create itineraries of favorite places to visit. They will also serve as storytellers across social media and other platforms.

The coalition is working with the city, businesses, universities and nearly 50 organizations. More than 50 groups have signed on as partners.

"Grow our city, help retain residents who are already here and ensure they can build their brightest future here while welcoming others back to come and join us," said Doe.

Resident Nicole Brown said the program will amplify what makes the city special. "This program is going to be an incredible asset as we hope to continue to grow the city of Detroit," Brown said.

Selected participants will get invitations to events and experiences. They'll have access to meetings with local leaders. Other benefits, too. They'll also take part in community feedback sessions that will shape programs and priorities.

The coalition launched its first program this week called Make Detroit Home, which will provide direct financial support to 313 current and future residents. Resident Erica Jackson said having ambassadors throughout the city will draw people for the right reasons.

Nominations can be submitted through the coalition's website.