One big plus was they appointed James E. Craig as police chief. He really has turned things around.
It is far from perfect, but the city is much better off than it was when the Police chief was simply a tool of the Mayor and City Council.
I have read a bit about the Detroit “turn around”. As you said, while the city is not a shining example of a well run city, appointing leaders for things like the Police Department, fire department who have real world experience and letting them do what needs to be done and supporting their decisions has really helped get needed equipment, staff who can actually accomplish things.