Tetrica Grama, chair of the Sterling Heights Community Alliance Committee, opened a new-resident meet-and-greet and welcomed attendees, saying the event gives neighbors a chance to meet elected officials and city department staff. "Sterling Heights welcomes everyone," Grama said.

Melanie Davis, community relations director for the city of Sterling Heights, described how the city reaches out to recent movers: "So every 6 months, we will send an invitation by mail to anybody that has moved into the city of Sterling Heights in the last 6 months." Davis said the event is free for new residents and is intended to help them meet fellow newcomers, the mayor, city council members and department heads who can explain services and processes such as trash and taxes. "The event is free for all new residents," she said.

Organizers said the committee hosts the event twice a year and staffs an icebreaker with prizes and community-alliance giveaways. Grama noted attendance has grown since the first meet-and-greet: "We have about 60 people who register." The program is presented as an introductory, informational opportunity rather than a formal city hearing or decision-making forum.

Organizers encouraged participation and local involvement, emphasizing that the meet-and-greet is a low-barrier way for new residents to learn where to get city services and to connect with neighbors and officials. The Community Alliance Committee and city staff said the event will continue to be offered every six months.