January 11, 2026
Sheffield opted to revive the affair while raising money for homeless services.
New Detroit mayor Mary Sheffield hosted the city’s first inaugural ball in more than 50 years on Jan. 9, bringing the event back to raise money for homeless services.
WXYZ Detroit reported that more than 400 attendees—including Rev. Horace Sheffield and U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib—gathered at the city’s Icon Hotel. The last ball was held in 1974 for Detroit Mayor Coleman Young.
Sheffield confirmed that no taxpayer dollars, transition, or campaign funds went toward the event.
“It’s such an honor to have our first inaugural ball in quite some time,” Sheffield said. “It is so exciting to come together and celebrate such a historic election. Again, I thank every single Detroiter who showed up and supported me to lead this great city.”
“I’m super excited for many reasons. First and foremost, it’s history—the first female mayor of Detroit. I mean, I’m actually witnessing it in my lifetime, and that’s extremely exciting for me,” said Crisette Ellis, first lady of Greater Grace Temple, according to WXYZ Detroit.
Ticket sales raised money for the Homeless Action Network of Detroit. The nonprofit’s mission also aligns with one of Sheffield’s priorities of reducing homelessness in the city. One of the nonprofit’s leaders, Tasha Gray, confirmed the money will go toward ensuring hundreds of Detroit families will not lose their homes as the new year begins.
“With the money from tonight, what we’re going to be doing is working to prevent homelessness for about 500 households who are on the verge of homelessness,” said Gray.
As her tenure gets underway, the Democratic mayor also plans to create a citywide office for addressing poverty and homelessness concerns in Detroit. Emphasizing her platform of uplifting underserved city residents, Sheffield won the general election against Solomon Kinloch Jr. in November. She was officially sworn in on Jan. 1.
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