Sheffield appoints Winnie Liao as Detroit's new chief operating officer

Mayor Mary Sheffield announced that Winnie Lao will be taking over as the new chief operating officer of Detroit today.

Liao’s main duties will include focusing on the way residents and businesses interact with city government and making it easier for Detroiters to access basic services. She will supervise 16 different departments, including the Fire Department and Detroit Water and Sewerage.

“Together, we’ll ensure that city services are equitable, efficient, innovative and customer-focused. We will have a city government that works for all,” says Liao.

Liao will begin her new job next week. She previously worked at Mastercard and the Michigan Secretary of State’s office.

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 DPSCD invests $79 million in projects

The Detroit Public Schools Community District will invest $79 million dollars to improve city schools and reduce neighborhood blight. The district says the one-time investment comes from surplus funds.

DPSCD says it will spend $32 million to tear down nine old school buildings and 11 other vacant properties. Funds will also be spent to improve paving and fencing at certain facilities. Some of the money will be used to help build a new athletic complex at Cooley High School.

Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles closes

Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles has closed. The northwest Detroit eatery posted the news on Instagram. The restaurant thanked its patrons and says it’s onto new ventures. Kuzzo’s opened on Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion, otherwise known as Livernois, back in 2015.

Detroit casinos report January revenue

Detroit’s three casinos posted revenue of $103.9 million in January. That’s up just under a percentage point from January 2025.

MGM Grand continued to hold the lion’s share of the market at 49%. Motor City Casino controlled 30%. Hollywood Casino at Greektown had 21% of Detroit’s gaming market last month.

The three casinos provided the city with $12.3 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments in January. They paid another $8.4 million to the state of Michigan.

Verlander returns to Tigers

Major League Baseball pitcher Justin Verlander is returning to Detroit. The Cy Young award winning right-hander started his career with the Tigers in 2005. He spent 12 and a half seasons with Detroit before being traded to the Houston Astros, where he won World Series in 2017 and 2022. He has signed a one-year contract with Detroit worth $13 million.