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Detroit gets new "Chief Service Officer"

Volunteers working in Detroit.
user Charlie Wollborg
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Flickr - http://michrad.io/1LXrdJM
Volunteers working in Detroit.

Detroit is one of three U.S. citiesgetting what’s called a “Chief Service Officer.”

It’s part of an initiative led by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s non-profit, Cities of Service.

The goal is to “help improve citizen engagement,” according to a city press release.

Detroit’s new Chief Service Officer, Victoria Kovari, formerly headed up Mayor Mike Duggan’s Department of Neighborhoods.

She will work to “coordinate all community engagement and volunteering activities in the city, aiming to reduce blight and prevent crime,” according to the city, serving as “a champion for citizen volunteers, a voice for the mayor, a partner to city agencies, and a conduit for businesses and community groups.”

The position is funded through a $100,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase.

Sarah Cwiek joined Michigan Public in October 2009. As our Detroit reporter, she is helping us expand our coverage of the economy, politics, and culture in and around the city of Detroit.
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