2025 Detroit Mayoral Candidates

Jonathon Barlow

1. What is the greatest factor in making Detroit more nationally (and internationally) competitive, and what will you do to help give us the edge?

Detroit’s competitive advantage lies in our resilient people and strategic location. To harness this, we must invest in infrastructure, digital access, and neighborhood innovation. As mayor, I will initiate a $500 million Detroit Business Growth Fund to support small businesses and attract anchor employers in tech, logistics, and clean energy. City services will be streamlined to operate at the speed of business, making Detroit the most business-friendly city in the Midwest. Through strategic sister city partnerships, we’ll open international markets for local businesses, enhancing our global presence. Central to this is the Reach Every Family plan, ensuring that as Detroit ascends on the global stage, every household benefits from the growth.

2. How will you grow and attract a workforce that will support the region’s key industries as well as small and emerging businesses?

Developing a robust workforce requires aligning education with industry needs. We’ll establish partnerships between schools, training programs, and employers to create clear pathways into sectors like clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology. Support will extend to returning citizens, immigrants, and youth through targeted outreach and resources. Entrepreneurship will be fostered with access to capital and technical assistance, encouraging cooperative business models. By integrating these efforts with the Reach Every Family initiative, we ensure that Detroiters are not only prepared for existing jobs but are also equipped to create new opportunities, driving inclusive economic growth.

3. How will you lead and support regional cooperation to address critical challenges and seize opportunities within Southeast Michigan?

Regional challenges require collaborative solutions. Building on the success of the Let’s Talk Roundtable, I will convene quarterly Metro Region Summits with leaders from neighboring municipalities, businesses, and community organizations. These summits will focus on shared priorities like transit, housing, and workforce development. A public-facing dashboard will track progress, ensuring transparency and accountability. By fostering open communication and joint investment, we’ll create a unified strategy that leverages our collective strengths, positioning Southeast Michigan as a cohesive and competitive region.

4. How will you better showcase and leverage the unique diversity of the city?

Detroit’s rich cultural tapestry is a significant asset. To celebrate and leverage this diversity, we’ll launch the City of Cultures Initiative, providing funding for cultural institutions, festivals, and minority-owned businesses. City services will be made more accessible through expanded language support and inclusive policies. Internationally, we’ll establish sister city relationships that reflect our diverse communities, promoting cultural exchange and economic collaboration. By investing in our cultural assets, we not only honor our heritage but also stimulate economic growth and enhance Detroit’s global reputation.

5. How will you leverage and enhance the city’s parks and trails, waterfront, and natural environment for residents, businesses and visitors?

Our natural spaces are vital for community well-being and economic vitality. The Clean Detroit Agenda will expand and maintain parks, greenways, and the riverfront, ensuring equitable access across all neighborhoods. We’ll activate these spaces with local businesses, cultural events, and recreational activities. Environmental initiatives will include tree planting, pollution reduction, and sustainable infrastructure projects. By transforming our natural environment into vibrant, accessible spaces, we enhance quality of life, attract visitors, and promote environmental stewardship, making Detroit a greener, more livable city for all.

James Craig

1. What is the greatest factor in making Detroit more nationally (and internationally) competitive, and what will you do to help give us the edge?

Public safety and economic confidence are the foundations of competitiveness. As Mayor, I will build on my proven leadership to reduce crime, clean up blight, and continued-stability to City government. When Detroit is safe, clean, and well-managed, we attract businesses, retain families, and reclaim our global reputation as a city of innovation and resilience. My administration will also leverage our cultural attributes and our international geographic footprint to attract national and international business.

2. How will you grow and attract a workforce that will support the region’s key industries as well as small and emerging businesses?

We must align education, workforce training, and industry. I’ll expand skilled trades programs, support partnerships between high schools, community colleges, and major employers, and increase access to capital for Detroit entrepreneurs. Our workforce must be prepared for the jobs of today and the careers of tomorrow.

3. How will you lead and support regional cooperation to address critical challenges and seize opportunities within Southeast Michigan?

I’ve led through crises with collaboration and results. As Mayor, I’ll bring that same energy to regional efforts on public transit, infrastructure, economic growth, and emergency preparedness. I’ll work with our neighboring counties to create a stronger, more connected Southeast Michigan.

4. How will you better showcase and leverage the unique diversity of the city?

Detroit is a city of rich cultures and proud communities. I’ll ensure diverse voices are heard and represented in leadership. I’ll support small businesses, fund cultural events, and protect neighborhoods that reflect our history and heritage. Our diversity is a competitive advantage and I’ll use it to unite.

5. How will you leverage and enhance the city’s parks and trails, waterfront, and natural environment for residents, businesses and visitors?

Our parks and waterfront should be destinations for all. I will invest in maintenance, safety, and programming for our green spaces, support complete trail connections, and expand public access to the riverfront. A cleaner, greener Detroit enhances quality of life, boosts tourism, and draws families and businesses back to the city. As someone who has worked and lived in multiple cities such as L.A., Portland, and Cincinnati, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t – and what makes for great destination cities. It’s a unique perspective that I’ll bring to the Mayor’s office.

Fred Durhal

To take Detroit to greater heights, we must strive to make Detroit a city that provides opportunities for all working and middle-class families, as well as developers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. As mayor, I will focus on making Detroit an attractive city to develop, start a business, and raise a family. To achieve this goal, I will:

• Cut taxes to provide relief to developers, homeowners, and small businesses. – Create more commercial corridors and vibrant, walkable streets in every Detroit neighborhood by expanding the DDA authority outside of downtown.
• Make communities safer by recruiting more police and firefighters to serve the city, and providing them with resources and technology that will help them do their jobs quicker, more effectively, and safer.
• Work to build regional transit that will attract and retain talent, business, and connect communities.
• Cutting red tape together with implementing regulatory reform
• Create a one-stop permitting process and uniformed inspection process

2. How will you grow and attract a workforce that will support the region’s key industries as well as small and emerging businesses?

I will implement a multipronged, comprehensive strategy to make Detroit a magnet for investments, businesses, and workers. The strategy includes:

• Expanding access to capital for businesses
• Strengthening the talent pipeline and creating career paths by supporting greater access to skilled trades and career readiness in collaboration with our local schools.
• Increasing funding for employment solution programs and reactivation of displaced workers.
• Expanding grant programs for tech/mobility hubs and incubators and connecting entrepreneurs to resources.
• Re-structuring incentives and abatements comparable to other regions that help decrease the “but for” regarding development.
• Improving our transit system and working to expand regional transit.

3. How will you lead and support regional cooperation to address critical challenges and seize opportunities within Southeast Michigan?

As a former state legislator with leadership experience and a strong bipartisan record, I will leverage my deep knowledge of state government resources to build robust partnerships with regional, local, and Detroit stakeholders. I also have a record of supporting efforts to strengthen our transportation infrastructure, which benefits Southeast Michigan and enhances regional collaboration. This includes improvements to bus service in Detroit, supporting electrification of vehicles, and bringing investments to fix and upgrade roads and other transportation infrastructure.

4. How will you better showcase and leverage the unique diversity of the city?

As mayor, I will champion efforts to bring the world to Detroit and showcase our dynamic diversity. This includes making Detroit an irresistible magnet for sports, arts, music, business expos and other events – all possible with a forward-looking vision that strengthens the entire city and every neighborhood. Whether that be through murals, creating opportunities through direct governmental marketing, or working with our public/private partnerships, we can express the city’s diversity.

5. How will you leverage and enhance the city’s parks and trails, waterfront, and natural environment for residents, businesses and visitors?

As mayor, I will spearhead development of the Detroit River waterfront so it becomes an exciting destination for families who live in Detroit and visitors alike, modeled along the lines of Chicago’s Navy Pier. I envision a green space with connecting parks and playgrounds, as well as inspiring public installations. That is why I have supported the Joe Louis Greenway, the rehabilitation of over 80% of our parks, and the building of two new recreation centers in my district. Additionally, we will work with the State government to ensure that through the Pure Michigan program, Detroit is highlighted and put on the forefront for the nation and world to see.

Saunteel Jenkins

1. What is the greatest factor in making Detroit more nationally (and internationally) competitive, and what will you do to help give us the edge?

The greatest factor in making Detroit more nationally and internationally competitive is enhancing our workforce for both job opportunities and entrepreneurship. We will engage in a holistic approach to developing our residents from cradle to career to boost our workforce and our entrepreneurial opportunities by creating stronger, more intentional training and career pathways for Detroiters. We will partner with high schools, colleges, businesses and labor to ensure a highly trained, highly skilled workforce that is prepared for jobs of today and tomorrow. We must also restructure our property tax assessments to be more competitive with other markets.

2. How will you grow and attract a workforce that will support the region’s key industries as well as small and emerging businesses?

We will grow and attract a workforce that will support the region’s key industries as well as small and emerging businesses by creating collaborative partnerships across S.E. Michigan to grow our economy. Our main focus will be enhancing Detroit residents and businesses. Through partnerships with organized labor and local businesses, we’ll invest in apprenticeships and ensure that advanced, high-paying jobs are available for everyone in Detroit who wants one, whether you have a college degree or not. And by training workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow, supporting small businesses, the work of our administration will lift more Detroiters into financial stability and create sustainable economic mobility within city limits.

On the business side, we will provide the resources, capital, and support needed to scale and sustain these enterprises – we can foster generational wealth and economic empowerment – creating jobs and strengthening Detroit’s economic foundation. We will also make it easier to do business in Detroit by cutting red-tape and revolutionizing the business licensing and permitting process to make it simpler and more cost-effective for all.

3. How will you lead and support regional cooperation to address critical challenges and seize opportunities within Southeast Michigan?

I will lead by example and work cooperatively with elected officials and the leading business associations at the local, state and national level to support regional cooperation addressing critical challenges.

4. How will you better showcase and leverage the unique diversity of the city?

I will showcase and leverage the unique diversity of the city by enhancing our partnerships with the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries and better include the rich cultural heritage of Detroit as central to our efforts.

5. How will you leverage and enhance the city’s parks and trails, waterfront, and natural environment for residents, businesses and visitors?

I will better engage and coordinate our efforts with the county, state, and federal departments to develop new approaches to enhancing our outdoor entertainment options. I will also work closer with the private and non-profit organizations, companies, and associations involved in our outdoor recreation industry.

Solomon Kinloch

1. What is the greatest factor in making Detroit more nationally (and internationally) competitive, and what will you do to help give us the edge?

Detroit’s continued national competitiveness requires a vision that is founded on three key factors – (1) the city’s and state’s ability to attract and retain business, (2) the city’s and state’s ability to grow, attract, and retain job talent, and (3) the city and state’s ability to strengthen our schools. To accomplish these targets, a multi-layered, targeted approach focused on cooperation and partnerships with various city and state stakeholders is key. Such an approach can:

• Create a business-friendly climate through tax policies that stimulate growth, capital investment, and entrepreneurship. This would allow Detroit to use its strategic location and infrastructure strengths as an internal hub of international logistics, innovation, and development to enhance growth opportunities.
• Streamline state and city regulatory licensing, inspection, and permitting processes.
• Develop industry, education, and workforce training partnerships to align education and workforce training priorities with those of industry needs.
• Expand the preservation and development of affordable housing in the city for working families and the middle class.
• As mayor, I will be an advocate for education and champion a cohesive school vision for all schools, in coordination with philanthropy, business, and labor.
• Enable continued investment in high-quality early childhood education programs, such as Pre-K, to make sure it is accessible to all Detroit children.

Advocate for increased and equitable funding for our elementary, middle, and high schools to improve school facilities, improve teacher wages, and provide necessary school-based health, social service, and after-school supports for our families.

2. How will you grow and attract a workforce that will support the region’s key industries as well as small and emerging businesses?

It all starts with the ability to envision a Detroit not just as it is, but a Detroit as it could be. As Mayor, I will ensure no neighborhood is left out of the City’s revitalization, because creating a city where people want to live is the key to attracting employers and high-paying jobs.

My administration will grow and attract a workforce to support the region’s key industries and small and emerging businesses by:

• Partnering with industry leaders to identify the specific skills they need to succeed and then work with our schools, workforce development agencies, skilled trades organizations, and colleges and Univision’s to create training pathways for these careers.
• Providing financial incentives to residents to increase high school and GED completion rates.
• Continuing to support the implementation of the Detroit Promise, which allows graduating Detroit high schoolers to access post-secondary education at no cost.
• Growing our investment in skilled trades training programs across the city, making sure these educational opportunities remain available and financially accessible for our residents.
• Making strategic investments to grow the supply of affordable housing in our city, such as through the development and preservation of affordable multi-family units and expanding the development of a down payment assistance fund to help increase affordable homeownership in the city.
• Providing grants, low-interest loans, and low or no-cost financial and legal assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
• Strategic investment in transit to ensure access to job centers.

3. How will you lead and support regional cooperation to address critical challenges and seize opportunities within Southeast Michigan?

Regional cooperation is imperative to the economic success of Detroit, Southeast Michigan, and the State of Michigan. I would search for common understanding on what is necessary to move a regional agenda forward in such areas as infrastructure management, transportation and resource allocation, just to name a few. Going back decades, Detroit’s leadership has always been in the forefront of regional cooperation. Continuing that leadership will serve to build even more cooperation in addressing issues critical to both Detroit and the region. It takes the concerted effort of the municipalities, counties and state players who impact the allocation of resources and provide the legislative authority to move forward.

As Mayor, my administration will lead and support regional cooperation in the following ways:

• Support for a regional transit system that connects Detroit to its cousins in the suburbs. To jumpstart this cooperation, as Mayor, my administration will work to fund rapid bus transit routes down our major transportation corridors, such as Woodward, Gratiot, and Grand Boulevard, with the goal of connecting these routes to other county routes. We will have dedicated fast bus lanes and smart transit signals that allow for buses to move quickly down these major corridors.
• Collaboration on development of a skilled workforce. We will partner with our regional workforce agencies, community colleges, and universities to develop the workforce our region needs to succeed.

Identifying opportunities for cost-savings and economies of scale that work for Detroit and our regional neighbors.

4. How will you better showcase and leverage the unique diversity of the city?

Detroit is a city of the future. Our diversity is just one of the strengths we bring to the region and state. It’s one reason why we’ve been able to successfully attract interest from those who want to build businesses, host events and leverage our talent in very tangible ways. The 2024 NFL Draft is an example my administration will build upon to showcase our city.

There are opportunities to continue to pursue major sporting events, conventions, concerts, and other entertainment activities. Understanding that the decisions to host an event in Detroit is premised, in part, on what the Detroit “brand.” Our brand as a diverse city, as a “city of the future,” makes us attractive to those inside and outside the city. Making sure that the Detroit brand is as popular and pervasive to all stakeholders not only requires marketing campaigns, but also requires a focus on what we do day-to-day as a city that will influence that brand.

For example, continuing a focus on the reduction in crime, the uniqueness of the city and its people, and partnerships with the area’s chambers of commerce, business leaders, political and community leaders, can provide the tools for a successful and on-going local and national campaigns focusing on the strengths of Detroit’s demographics.

5. How will you leverage and enhance the city’s parks and trails, waterfront, and natural environment for residents, businesses and visitors?

Detroit is a jewel. And, the wonder of its waterfront, parks, trails and environment are certainly some of the city’s greatest assets. First, we have to make sure that we are treating these assets as jewels. We have to ensure that our city parks, particularly in the neighborhoods, are clean and safe.

Under my administration, we will partner with the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board to make strategic investments in our largest and most utilized city parks and recreation centers. We will also be aggressive in submitting applications for projects to fund the redevelopment of neighborhood parks. There is no reason for Detroit to leave dollars on the table to fund park investments.

We also have to focus on programming and access to attract people to take advantage of these assets. Protecting our assets enhances the quality of life in Detroit. Targeted programming for youth, seniors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders can provide natural launching pads to leverage and enhance our jewels.

Todd Perkins

1. What is the greatest factor in making Detroit more nationally (and internationally) competitive, and what will you do to help give us the edge?

To make Detroit globally competitive, we must invest in all our people, not just the pockets that have traditionally received resources. My administration will lead with data, strategy, and equity to drive growth from the neighborhood up, targeting job development, digital access, infrastructure, and public services in underinvested districts using tools like the city’s Digital Equity Map. Designed by a Detroit native, former Director of Digital Equity, Christine Burkette. The first step is working more collaboratively with our neighbors just across the water, Canada, to identify ways we can build and support shared economic opportunities. As mayor, one of my most critical roles will be to seek and attract investors who believe in our citywide strategy to rebuild neighborhoods and bridge the gap between long-time Detroiters, the people who built this city, and the “New Detroit” residents moving in. I believe bridging that gap and combining our talents will amplify our impact and support the internal branding strategy my advance team is already working on. We will reposition Detroit not just as a city of potential, but a city delivering on it. Detroit’s edge is in our people, our grit, and our ability to innovate under pressure. I’ll make sure our investments reflect that.

2. How will you grow and attract a workforce that will support the region’s key industries as well as small and emerging businesses?

I will implement a workforce strategy rooted in local talent and regional alignment. That includes district-based job training teams, partnerships with vocational programs, and public-private sector pipelines, especially in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, health care, and construction. We’ll also build capacity in the tech industry by partnering with training organizations, universities, community colleges, and nonprofits to offer competitive, up-to-date programs that prepare Detroiters for internships, apprenticeships, and long-term job placement in high-growth sectors. Just as important, I will reassess any city-funded training program that does not lead to a career path or wages above the poverty level. Workforce development must be about starting a career, not just getting a job, and that requires clear alignment between training and actual employment outcomes. We’ll pair this with targeted support for small businesses through simplified licensing, access to capital, and storefront activation outside of downtown. Our campaign already reflects this strategy, we are mapping neighborhoods by population, age, and poverty level to ensure our outreach is inclusive. As mayor, I’ll bring that same intentionality and accountability to rebuilding Detroit’s middle class and creating real upward mobility for our residents.

3. How will you lead and support regional cooperation to address critical challenges and seize opportunities within Southeast Michigan?

Regional cooperation starts with shared interest and equal voice. I will bring that to the table. My administration will work with Wayne County, SEMCOG, DWINN, and adjacent municipalities to align on infrastructure, mobility, housing, and workforce priorities. At the local level, we’re already building district-specific volunteer teams to map and engage every neighborhood, data that will allow us to coordinate where the greatest needs and opportunities exist. By building smart regional partnerships and speaking with one vision, Detroit won’t just participate in Southeast Michigan’s future, we’ll drive it. This is the theme of my campaign “Level Up, Detroit!” This only happens working collaboratively with our local partners 1st .

4. How will you better showcase and leverage the unique diversity of the city?

Detroit’s strength is in its people, Black, Brown, Arab, Asian, white, immigrant, LGBTQ+, youth, and seniors. But showcasing diversity starts by actually investing in it. We will spotlight neighborhoods through our “Todd in the Hood” campaign initiative, featuring community stories, local events, and visible progress updates. But we’re going further. My administration will launch a citywide tourism and branding campaign that promotes all of Detroit, not just downtown, as a must-see, year-round destination. From premier restaurants and coffee shops to small businesses, historic parks, and cultural institutions, Detroit’s neighborhoods are hidden gems, and we’re going to give them the visibility they deserve. I will ensure all city communications, hiring, and development efforts reflect the people we serve, and elevate local leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs across cultures to bring new energy into city planning, community pride, and tourism. Diversity won’t just be acknowledged, it will be the engine behind how we grow, attract visitors, and keep dollars circulating in every corner of this city.

5. How will you leverage and enhance the city’s parks and trails, waterfront, and natural environment for residents, businesses and visitors?

Detroit’s natural assets must serve the people, not just visitors or high-end developments. As mayor, I’ll expand access to parks and trails in every district and improve city-wide transit so families and seniors can actually reach them. We’ll partner with neighborhood leaders to activate parks as economic and social hubs, hosting pop-ups, farmer’s markets, job fairs, and local showcases. I’ll push a sustainability agenda that integrates green infrastructure and stormwater management with beautification. But we’ll also prioritize everyday access and enjoyment: bicycle rentals, walking lanes, pickleball courts, skate zones, functioning restrooms (permanent or portable), updated shelters, lighting, and Wi-Fi in every park across Detroit. We’ll bring more live music and community programming into neighborhood parks because not everyone can make it downtown. Our goal is to make our green spaces inclusive, safe, and vibrant gathering places, where families thrive, kids play, seniors feel welcome, and small businesses can grow. Detroiters deserve the same quality of life in their neighborhood parks as they see on the riverfront, and as mayor, I’ll make sure that happens.

Mary Sheffield

1. What is the greatest factor in making Detroit more nationally (and internationally) competitive, and what will you do to help give us the edge?

In order to make Detroit a destination and world world-class city again, we have to improve the overall quality of life. In almost every Department, we have to reduce red tape and make it easier to do business in Detroit. This is exactly what first established Detroit as a Destination City, where families from all over the world came to thrive and to stay for generations after. My administration will ensure that Detroit will be the leader in small business development, will attract world-class companies and jobs, and will be a place where legacy Detroiters can be empowered to succeed. From there, we have to cultivate the existing talent as well as create more commercial corridors that ensure that families stay in Detroit, keeping the economy strong and consistently competitive.

2. How will you grow and attract a workforce that will support the region’s key industries as well as small and emerging businesses?

For Detroit to truly build and sustain a strong economy, we have to invest in our existing residents and small businesses while simultaneously attracting new jobs that provide higher-paying wages.

As Mayor of Detroit, I will ensure that Detroit leads the nation in small business development, attracting world-class companies and jobs, and will be a place where legacy Detroiters can be empowered to succeed.

A few priorities for my administration will be:

• Launching the ”Destination Detroit” plan, detailing small business supports, and unveiling the administration’s big business strategy work plans.
• Reinvesting in legacy industries like Arts & Culture (Film & Entertainment), Manufacturing, and Defense Contracting while expanding on new budding sectors for our city, such as Healthcare, Tech Innovation, and Small Business Development

The last portion to this is raising the quality of life, creating neighborhoods where all forms of families want to stay and thrive.

• Reactivating Commercial Corridors with amenities, food, entertainment and thus, business opportunities within the neighborhoods and unique to every District
• Launching the “Community Anchor Plan,” coordinating with trusted local institutions such as churches, hospitals, and legacy Detroit businesses to spur economic development around their sites.

3. How will you lead and support regional cooperation to address critical challenges?

We know many of the challenges that face Southeast Michigan, from a leadership perspective. It is important that the next Mayor has both partners in the legislature, as well as outside, regional philanthropic and corporate entities & municipal officials. Another majoy barrier for increased economic empowerment & development is transit. Within the first 100 days we will create a regional work group with defined deliverables, comprised of Mayors, Wayne County leadership, Congressional representation and local advocates to explore developing regional rail, regional transit, and to gather best practices to improve local Detroit We must both be able to attract more industry to Detroit and the region but ensure that the working population can get to any jobs or workforce training offered, frequent and reliably.

4. How will you better showcase and leverage the unique diversity of the city?

The city of Detroit is filled with vibrant, talented, multifaceted, culturally rich, and authentic people. As Mayor of the city of Detroit, I know that my administration can better showcase and leverage the unique diversity of the city through community engagement and partnerships, authentic representation, and inclusive hiring, and maintaining an excellent workplace culture. This can be achieved through hiring local talent, investing in labor and responsible contracting, expanding commercial corridors that allows talent to also be showcased and cultivating the neighborhoods. Additionally, we will collaborate with local organizations, and build strategic partnerships with cultural institutions that work with diverse populations. All city employees will be equipped to understand and respect cultural nuances that mirror the city’s demographics, and participate in festivals, cultural heritage months, neighborhood, and community-driven initiatives. Last but not least we will market Detroit, through marketing to both highlight some of the great talent in various industries that currently reside in Detroit in addition to make a call for talent to come back home in the renaissance we are building in the city.

5. How will you leverage and enhance the city’s parks and trails, waterfront, and natural environment for residents, businesses and visitors?

As Mayor, I will build upon my record as City Council President, where I partnered with parks and recreation to enhance the lives of all Detroiters through equitable improvements to parks, greenways, recreation centers, and programs. My administration will consistently and steadfastly work to improve vital green spaces, ensuring they remain havens of health, happiness, and natural beauty for every resident. During my initial 100 days in office, I will meet with all department heads to assess past successes and failures. Currently, Detroit’s General Services Department oversees more than 300 parks and is developing 29 miles of greenways. My administration will ensure these spaces continue to serve as crucial community hubs for recreation, relaxation, and social connection. Tourists, business leaders, and new residents will experience better public health, a deeper connection with nature and the environment, and greater access to parks and recreational opportunities.