The social welfare of a community is directly related to its physical condition, according to the event organizers. The Neighborhood Services Division of P&DD is responsible for allocating funds to nonprofit programs and activities established to eradicate Detroit's social ills. Additionally, the planning and development department's housing services division facilitates many of Detroit's residential developments and rehabilitation projects through nonprofit community development organizations.

"Although public service is often overlooked as a component for growth, meeting the community's social needs is the foundation for sustainable development," says Sandra Coleman, deputy director of the planning and development department. The neighborhood development and housing services divisions and the event's co-sponsor selected the honorees based upon their direct involvement in public service in the community. The honorees' public service activities range from neighborhood redevelopment, arts and culture to mentoring and homelessness programming.