DPM Champion Interview, ft. Melia Howard
Melia Howard, General Manager, Detroit People Mover (Detroit Transportation Corporation); Former Roles include Deputy Mayor, City of Detroit; Director of Community Engagement, City of Detroit; District 5 Manager
Your Detroit Story
“Tell us a little about who you are and what first inspired you to invest your energy in Detroit’s community.”
My energy has always come from Detroiters themselves—Detroit is home in every sense of the word. My journey in public service started at the neighborhood level, working directly with residents, block clubs, and community leaders who care deeply about the future of our city. What inspires me most is seeing how powerful people can be when they feel heard and supported.
Transportation in Downtown: Then & Now
“In your experience, how has transportation in Downtown Detroit evolved over the years, and what role do you see the People Mover playing in that change?”
Today, we’re seeing a much more connected and accessible system…from bike lanes and scooters to expanded bus service and regional transit conversations. The Detroit People Mover has been a steady, iconic presence through all of that change. What’s different now is how it fits into a larger mobility ecosystem.
It’s not just a loop; it’s a connector. It links visitors to entertainment venues, workers to offices, and residents to the riverfront, cultural destinations, and the neighborhood edges of downtown. As Detroit continues to grow, the People Mover plays a key role in making sure that growth is easy to navigate and accessible to everyone.
Favorite Spot Along the People Mover
“Which station or nearby spot along the People Mover route do you love most, and what makes it special to you?”
One of my favorite stops along the route is Water Square Station. There’s just something special about stepping off the train and being right next to the Riverwalk—watching the sailing ships and freighters as they move along the river. No matter the season, there’s always life there: families, professionals on lunch breaks, students, and visitors taking photos.
In the winter, seeing the ice cover the Detroit River makes it feel magical. In the summer, it’s people enjoying Detroit’s music and food scene. That stop reminds me how public spaces and public transit come together to create shared experiences. It’s a perfect snapshot of Detroit’s spirit.
Hopes & Dreams for Detroit
“When you think about Detroit’s future, what’s one message or aspiration you’d share with the community?”
My biggest hope for Detroit’s future is that growth continues to be inclusive, neighborhood-centered, and people-driven. We’ve come so far, but the real success story is making sure all Detroiters share the benefits of that success.
I want Detroiters to know that their voices matter in shaping what comes next—from housing and jobs to transit and public spaces. Detroit’s strength has always been its people. If we keep investing in opportunity, connection, and community pride, there’s no limit to where our city can go and what we can achieve.
Fun Finale: Ride with Anyone
“If you could ride the Detroit People Mover with anyone—past or present—who would it be, and why?”
If I could take a ride on the People Mover with anyone, it would be my younger self—the version of me just starting out in community work, being the “Neighborhood Busybody.” I’d love to show her the skyline, the new energy downtown, and all the spaces where Detroiters are coming together.
I’d tell her: “Every meeting, every neighborhood conversation, every long day matters. Because when you look out those windows and see Detroit moving forward, you realize you were helping lay the tracks the whole time.”
