About Mark de la Vergne
Mark de la Vergne is the Director of Economic Innovation and Policy at Michigan Central, where he leads efforts to generate outcomes that drive material economic benefit for Detroit, the State of Michigan, and the broader region. In this role, he shapes public-private partnerships, develops strategies to scale startups and emerging technologies, and positions Michigan Central as a national model for how innovation districts can spark economic growth.
De la Vergne is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading voices in transportation and mobility innovation, with a career that spans city government, startups and national policy. As Chief of Mobility Innovation in the Mayor’s Office at the City of Detroit, he launched programs and partnerships that became a national blueprint for how cities can collaborate with the private sector to implement new mobility solutions. At Cavnue, a smart roads company, he spearheaded the development of the country’s first dedicated connected and automated laneway, playing a pivotal role in the company’s growth, partnerships and brand.
His work is characterized by a unique ability to connect cutting-edge technologies to pragmatic, real-world outcomes, advancing policies and projects that make communities more equitable, accessible, and competitive. This blend of innovation and execution has made him a sought-after advisor on the future of mobility, economic development and public–private collaboration.
In addition to his work at Michigan Central, De la Vergne writes Capitol Rebuild, a blog that examines the successes and struggles of America’s state capitals through the lens of economic development, urbanism, and innovation. The project reflects his passion for cities and his belief that places, when paired with bold ideas and strong institutions, can drive transformative economic change.
De la Vergne earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) from the University of Pennsylvania.
Mark de la Vergne