During a recent government meeting, the Deputy Chief of Mobility Innovation for the City of Detroit provided an overview of the Detroit Modes initiative, a project funded entirely by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The initiative aims to enhance roadway safety and operations through the implementation of advanced technologies.

The Deputy Chief explained that the initiative involves two key contracts. The first is with a Detroit-based company, City’s Reimagined, which focuses on public engagement to gather feedback on the initiative's effectiveness. The second contract is with Wayne State University, tasked with evaluating the program's impact on roadway safety, including metrics such as crash reduction and response times.

In response to questions about potential overlaps with other city projects, the Deputy Chief clarified that the initiative is designed to work in conjunction with existing contracts, including a community log software approved earlier in the year. This approach aims to maximize the use of available funds by collaborating with multiple partners rather than relying on a single consultant, which could incur additional management costs.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the contracts, reflecting a commitment to improving transportation safety and efficiency in Detroit through collaborative efforts and data-driven evaluations.