1) Federal policies often shift in ways that impact cities’ ability to provide essential services and maintain stability, especially in today’s political climate. What are the key federal programs you believe most directly affect Detroiters, and how would you advocate to preserve or replace these supports?

Federal programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, Section 8 housing assistance, WIC, and LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) are lifelines for thousands of Detroiters. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 32% of Detroit residents live below the poverty line, and more than 100,000 families rely on these supports to survive. Cuts to these programs directly increase homelessness, food insecurity, and preventable health crises.

As Mayor, I will lead with data and equity. My administration will quantify the impact of any federal cuts at the neighborhood level—mapping the potential rise in evictions, uninsured rates, or hunger—and use that data to pressure state and federal partners. I will champion a “Detroit Federal Equity Review Board” that rapidly reports impacts to our congressional delegation, media, and national coalitions to push back against unjust cuts.

Simultaneously, I will work with local institutions and philanthropy to create bridge programs when necessary, ensuring that no Detroiter falls through the cracks due to policy negligence in Washington. For instance, if LIHEAP or MEAP funding is delayed—as it has been in FY25—I will redirect emergency funds from the city’s contingency reserves and seek private matching dollars to support vulnerable residents through winter months.

2) With the challenges posed by economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and evolving federal policies, what will be your approach to collaborating with local, regional, and national leaders to protect Detroit’s progress? What specific area—such as housing, education, or economic development—will you prioritize?

I will prioritize economic development and housing stability through multilevel alignment and direct, measurable collaboration. Detroit’s economy has seen progress, but we cannot allow that growth to be erased by federal shifts or market instability. I will initiate a “One Detroit Compact” with regional mayors, Wayne County, and our federal delegation to commit to five measurable outcomes: (1) stable employment rates in every zip code, (2) reduced evictions, (3) increased affordable housing starts, (4) enrollment growth in Detroit schools, and (5) public-private capital investments reaching underserved areas.

I will leverage tools like the Detroit Economic Justice Dashboard to track results and hold all partners accountable. As part of this effort, I will expand Detroit’s capacity to secure federal grants—by creating a federal funding strike team inside the Mayor’s Office. Detroit left over $100M in unclaimed federal funds on the table in recent years due to disorganized efforts. My team will reverse that trend by hiring experienced grant strategists and aligning City Council behind a shared legislative-funding roadmap.

3) A review of the City of Detroit’s Economic Outlook 2024-2029, dated February 2025, states that:

“Detroit’s economic recovery has encountered significant headwinds over the last eight months, but we expect it to regain its footing this year as the macroeconomic environment becomes more favorable. We note, however, that there is substantial uncertainty surrounding our forecast, particularly regarding policy changes with the new presidential administration, as well as with the pace of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s response.”

The report further states that the gains made in the number of jobs in the city and the number of Detroiters employed have declined since mid-2024. With this sobering background information and the instability caused by the tariff policies and the anticipated gutting of federal programs, what will your strategy be to:

A. Monitor the general fund for impacts, identify the trigger for a reduction in revenue that would necessitate scaling back services or triggering layoffs, and/or slow down the pace of service delivery?

B. Engage other levels of government to arrive at a plan of action?

A) I will monitor the city’s financial health through a quarterly Revenue Resilience Report published by the Chief Financial Officer. This will include automatic triggers for action: if job numbers fall more than 1.5% in any quarter, or if commercial property tax receipts drop more than 5%, an emergency economic response plan will activate. That plan may include reallocating surplus TIF revenue, freezing non-essential capital projects, or offering payroll tax credits to prevent small business layoffs.

B) I will also lead a standing Intergovernmental Stabilization Committee—comprised of representatives from Wayne County, the State Treasury, HUD, MDHHS, and our federal delegation—to proactively model impacts from national policy changes. That way, Detroit is never caught off guard by budget gaps. During COVID, I coordinated multi-jurisdictional vaccine distribution efforts and COVID-testing partnerships for smaller countries and states. I’ll bring that same strategic coordination to this economic moment—where data, speed, and cross-government relationships are key to protecting Detroiters.

1) Federal policies often shift in ways that impact cities’ ability to provide essential services and maintain stability, especially in today’s political climate. What are the key federal programs you believe most directly affect Detroiters, and how would you advocate to preserve or replace these supports?

Response: Affordable housing is one of the federal programs that most affect Detroiters (Hud, Section 8, etc.) and my administration has a plan to build over 10K homes using quality and energy efficient building materials using building concepts. I have partnerships with builders in Michigan to build new homes and repair existing homes (abandoned and owned by the city) that can be rehabbed. My plan to revitalize includes me advocating for more funding to build homes and pushing for reforms that reduce red tape for residents to secure home ownership.

Cuts to Medicaid and Ebt benefits are federal programs that also affect Detroiters. Many Detroiters rely on SNAP and Medicaid for basic health and nutrition needs and cuts to these programs could increase food insecurity for the residents and threaten their overall health.

Transportation is another issue in the city. We need a transit system that is comparable to other large cities such as Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, etc. The plan is to extend the Uline all the way to 8 mile Rd, and run a train system in certain parts of the city and the outskirts, all the way to downtown. Funding would come from investment partnerships and the manufacturing business that I plan to build in Detroit to help mass produce housing and bring in job opportunities.

2) With the challenges posed by economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and evolving federal policies, what will be your approach to collaborating with local, regional, and national leaders to protect Detroit’s progress? What specific area—such as housing, education, or economic development—will you prioritize?

Response: Changes to federal policies will undoubtedly affect the economy and will require collaborative, and strategic action. As mayor, my plan is to focus on coalition-building. I will work with our City Council, neighborhood organizations, business owners, Detroit Public Schools, local colleges, and community partners to align education with workforce needs, and to come up with policies that support community progress. My top priority will be economic development. Detroit needs a diverse economy in order to lay a foundation for economic, political, and educational empowerment. A diverse economy needs international business and trade, as well as domestic industries to forge employment opportunities and stabilize the economy. When we create jobs that pay occupational wages, support small businesses, and create pathways into careers by providing job trainings for the youth and underserved communities, we reduce poverty, crime, and empower families to stay and thrive in our city. It is to the success of the residents of Detroit that we circulate our finances in the community and began the process of creating generational wealth.

3) A review of the City of Detroit’s Economic Outlook 2024-2029, dated February 2025, states that:

“Detroit’s economic recovery has encountered significant headwinds over the last eight months, but we expect it to regain its footing this year as the macroeconomic environment becomes more favorable. We note, however, that there is substantial uncertainty surrounding our forecast, particularly regarding policy changes with the new presidential administration, as well as with the pace of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s response.”

The report further states that the gains made in the number of jobs in the city and the number of Detroiters employed have declined since mid-2024. With this sobering background information and the instability caused by the tariff policies and the anticipated gutting of federal programs, what will your strategy be to:

A. Monitor the general fund for impacts, identify the trigger for a reduction in revenue that would necessitate scaling back services or triggering layoffs, and/or slow down the pace of service delivery?

B. Engage other levels of government to arrive at a plan of action?

Response: As mayor, I will lead with a data-driven approach to ensure Detroit remains financially resilient in uncertain times. To monitor the general funds for impacts, my administration will call for a forensic financial audit to determine where and how funds were used; make a plan to allocate funds to programs that support the job force, and eliminate the misuse of funds in our city's treasury. Transparency will be key. I will regularly report to the public and City Council on our financial health, so Detroiters are never left in the dark.

Detroit cannot face these challenges alone. I will immediately engage with State partners in Lansing to explore stabilization funds, infrastructure grants, and workforce investments, especially in sectors impacted by tariffs or federal cuts. Due to national uncertainty, Detroit must be proactive, not reactive. We have to have foresight and strong leadership to continue building a city that works for all Detroiters.

1) Federal policies often shift in ways that impact cities’ ability to provide essential services and maintain stability, especially in today’s political climate. What are the key federal programs you believe most directly affect Detroiters, and how would you advocate to preserve or replace these supports?

Response: Federal policies shape so much of daily life in Detroit - housing, education, transit and jobs. As Mayor, I’ll fight to make sure Detroit gets its fair share.

We’ll use the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to help build eight-thousand new homes. This move will create more stable housing and will grow our tax base. We’ll invest money from Community Development Block Grants directly into underserved neighborhoods by fixing streets, improving safety, and supporting our communities.

I’ll work with our congressional delegation to protect and keep these programs. When federal cuts come, especially to schools or job training we won’t wait. Through the Perkins Plan, we’ll build local solutions through our recreation centers and workforce programs that will act as a pipeline of resources so our youth and returning citizens have a real path forward.

In this political climate, we need a mayor who can anticipate federal shifts and respond with strength and clarity, not just react. As an attorney and as a C-E-O,

I’ve spent decades navigating complex systems and advocating for people’s rights. I will bring that same tenacity to City Hall ensuring that federal policy changes don’t leave Detroiters behind.

2) With the challenges posed by economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and evolving federal policies, what will be your approach to collaborating with local, regional, and national leaders to protect Detroit’s progress? What specific area—such as housing, education, or economic development—will you prioritize?

Response: Collaboration across all levels of government is no longer optional… it’s essential. As Mayor

I will prioritize building strong relationships amongst all branches of government to make sure the needs of Detroiters are met.

My top priority will be economic development. With a strong economic foundation in place… we can then spend more money on public safety… create more affordable housing… and fortify our schools.

Through The Perkins Plan, I’ll lead with a focused job creation strategy, expanding advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and sustainability jobs right here in Detroit.

I’ll work alongside our congressional and state leaders to unlock federal and private dollar not just for downtown, but for our neighborhoods.

We’ll launch a Detroit First Local Hiring Initiative making sure Detroiters are first in line for jobs tied to public or federally funded projects.

When inflation hits and budgets get tight, I’ll push for regional teamwork with Wayne County and nearby cities to share services like transit and emergency response.

And let me be clear we will not back down from protecting affordable housing and public education.

I’ll partner with HUD, M-S-H-D, and local nonprofits to build eight-thousand new homes…and stop displacement before it starts.

And in our recreation centers, we’ll offer tutoring, wellness programs, and mental health support for our kids no matter what’s happening in Lansing or Washington.

Detroit can’t wait. We have to act with urgency and unity.

3) A review of the City of Detroit’s Economic Outlook 2024-2029, dated February 2025, states that:

“Detroit’s economic recovery has encountered significant headwinds over the last eight months, but we expect it to regain its footing this year as the macroeconomic environment becomes more favorable. We note, however, that there is substantial uncertainty surrounding our forecast, particularly regarding policy changes with the new presidential administration, as well as with the pace of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s response.”

The report further states that the gains made in the number of jobs in the city and the number of Detroiters employed have declined since mid-2024. With this sobering background information and the instability caused by the tariff policies and the anticipated gutting of federal programs, what will your strategy be to:

A. Monitor the general fund for impacts, identify the trigger for a reduction in revenue that would necessitate scaling back services or triggering layoffs, and/or slow down the pace of service delivery?

B. Engage other levels of government to arrive at a plan of action?

Response: As Mayor, I’ll put a Real-Time Revenue Risk Monitoring System in place - right away.

This system will track our general fund in real-time — looking at monthly trends in income tax, property tax and state and federal support. If we see a drop—say 3-percent over two quarters, we’ll know it’s time to act. That early warning gives us the chance to respond before things get worse.

We’ll protect what matters most — public safety, sanitation and services for youth and seniors. I’ll use a tiered approach to service delivery and lead a full audit to cut waste, and consolidate where we can. Our goal is smart sustainability, not painful austerity.

We’ll also grow Detroit’s revenue by rebuilding our tax base. That means developing eight-thousand new homes and bringing in businesses in fields like clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

Now, on collaboration—I’ll lead from day one by bringing back regular roundtables with Wayne County, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and our leaders in Congress. We need to speak with one voice when federal funding is on the line.

With my legal background and experience navigating government systems, I know how to get results. I’ll join the U.S. Conference of Mayors and advocate directly on Capitol Hill.

We’ll be proactive not reactive and we’ll keep Detroiters informed every step of the way.

Transparency is a top priority in my administration.

My commitment is fiscal responsibility with a human-centered approach.

1) Federal policies often shift in ways that impact cities’ ability to provide essential services and maintain stability, especially in today’s political climate. What are the key federal programs you believe most directly affect Detroiters, and how would you advocate to preserve or replace these supports?

Response: Federal policies have a direct impact on Detroit’s ability to deliver vital services - from housing to public safety to economic opportunity. As Mayor, I will fight to protect and maximize the federal programs that matter most to Detroiters.

First, housing is a top priority. Programs like the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) are essential for building and preserving affordable housing. I’ll work to expand these resources, cut red tape, and ensure they benefit long-time Detroit residents.

Second, public safety must remain a national and local priority. I’ll advocate for public safety funds while expanding partnerships for mental health crisis response teams. My experience as Police Chief and Deputy Mayor uniquely positions me to make sure federal dollars strengthen community trust and safety.

Third, Detroit must benefit from major infrastructure and workforce investments. I’ll push for resources to fix our roads, modernize water systems, while using federal workforce funds to train Detroiters for careers in construction, tech, and clean energy.

I'll actively pursue grants, build bipartisan partnerships in Washington, and ensure Detroit never misses an opportunity to move forward. I'm the only one in this mayoral race who has the unique relationship with the current White House administration and I'll leverage such connections that yield purposeful federal resources for Detroit.

2) With the challenges posed by economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and evolving federal policies, what will be your approach to collaborating with local, regional, and national leaders to protect Detroit’s progress? What specific area—such as housing, education, or economic development—will you prioritize?

Response: As Mayor, I will bring experienced, steady leadership and a results-driven approach to collaboration - across city lines and party lines.

I’ve worked at the highest levels of city government and law enforcement. I understand the importance of strong partnerships with county, state, and federal leaders. My administration will prioritize pragmatic, bipartisan cooperation - not politics—as we work to safeguard Detroit’s momentum.

One of my top priority will be housing and neighborhood revitalization. A city’s future begins with where its people live. Detroiters need access to affordable housing, safe streets, and clean, connected neighborhoods. We will reform the Detroit Land Bank, expand access to homeownership, and ensure federal housing funds reach residents.

Rising housing costs and lack of housing access threaten our progress. I will ensure housing investment goes hand-in-hand with workforce training, small business growth, and neighborhood safety—because a strong Detroit must be equitable, livable, and economically stable.

We cannot afford to go backward. As Mayor, I’ll lead with integrity, build lasting partnerships, and focus on the core needs of Detroiters - starting with safe, affordable places to call home.

3) A review of the City of Detroit’s Economic Outlook 2024-2029, dated February 2025, states that:

“Detroit’s economic recovery has encountered significant headwinds over the last eight months, but we expect it to regain its footing this year as the macroeconomic environment becomes more favorable. We note, however, that there is substantial uncertainty surrounding our forecast, particularly regarding policy changes with the new presidential administration, as well as with the pace of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s response.”

The report further states that the gains made in the number of jobs in the city and the number of Detroiters employed have declined since mid-2024. With this sobering background information and the instability caused by the tariff policies and the anticipated gutting of federal programs, what will your strategy be to:

A. Monitor the general fund for impacts, identify the trigger for a reduction in revenue that would necessitate scaling back services or triggering layoffs, and/or slow down the pace of service delivery?

B. Engage other levels of government to arrive at a plan of action?

Response: As Mayor, I will take a proactive, data-driven approach to fiscal management. We can’t afford to wait until there’s a budget crisis to respond. My strategy begins with establishing 'CityStat Detroit', concept of Compstat that I implemented in the Detroit Police Department - a data-driven management process. This CityStat data and fiscal team will track real-time data on key economic indicators, like income tax receipts, property tax collections, utility revenues, and state and federal transfers to detect early signs of strain on the general fund.

I'll also conduct a financial audit of city government as well.

Most importantly, we will communicate transparently with city employees and the public. My administration will issue quarterly fiscal outlook reports to build trust and prepare for potential changes early.

Detroit cannot navigate economic uncertainty in isolation. I will lead a Detroit Economic Resilience Task Force, bringing together state and federal representatives, local business leaders, union partners, and municipal budget officials to coordinate a unified response to shifting economic conditions.

I will work directly with our Congressional delegation and the Governor’s Office to protect Detroit’s share of federal and state support.

This is about leadership. My administration will act early, plan smart, and engage partners at every level to shield Detroiters from the worst impacts of economic instability, while keeping our long-term vision for growth intact.

1) Federal policies often shift in ways that impact cities’ ability to provide essential services and maintain stability, especially in today’s political climate. What are the key federal programs you believe most directly affect Detroiters, and how would you advocate to preserve or replace these supports?

Response: I am closely watching what is happening in Washington regarding Medicaid and how it will impact Detroiters since 1 in 4 Motor City residents (approximately 180,000 people) are on Medicaid. Federal Medicaid cuts would severely impact Detroit by deepening inequality, straining local health systems and triggering job losses. Maternal and pediatric care is particularly vulnerable with up to 75% of Detroit's patients using Medicaid. As a social worker by training, I understand that Medicaid is more than insurance; It's a critical pillar of social, economic, and healthcare equity. I would mobilize with other mayors across the country to protect this resource for Detroiters. During my time at THAW, I successfully advocated for the reversal of a Trump cut to energy assistance funding (LiHEAP) by organizing a coalition of cities impacted by the cuts. We perserved and ultimately saw an increase in resources. Detroit’s mayor needs to have good working relationship with all levels of government.

2) With the challenges posed by economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and evolving federal policies, what will be your approach to collaborating with local, regional, and national leaders to protect Detroit’s progress? What specific area—such as housing, education, or economic development—will you prioritize?

Response: I am going to be a Mayor that is the biggest champion for EDUCATION because our kids deserve nothing less. In a Jenkins Administration, we will increase partnerships with our school system, to help ensure every child has access to high-quality schools that prepare them from cradle to career, and beyond. We will also create more intentional partnerships with local businesses and industries to foster well-prepared workers and build pathways from classrooms to careers that include vocational training and apprenticeships. We will work to create campuses that are vibrant centers of learning, open late for kids and seniors alike, and that serve as community neighborhood hubs in each of Detroit’s seven districts.

3) A review of the City of Detroit’s Economic Outlook 2024-2029, dated February 2025, states that:

“Detroit’s economic recovery has encountered significant headwinds over the last eight months, but we expect it to regain its footing this year as the macroeconomic environment becomes more favorable. We note, however, that there is substantial uncertainty surrounding our forecast, particularly regarding policy changes with the new presidential administration, as well as with the pace of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s response.”

The report further states that the gains made in the number of jobs in the city and the number of Detroiters employed have declined since mid-2024. With this sobering background information and the instability caused by the tariff policies and the anticipated gutting of federal programs, what will your strategy be to:

A. Monitor the general fund for impacts, identify the trigger for a reduction in revenue that would necessitate scaling back services or triggering layoffs, and/or slow down the pace of service delivery?

B. Engage other levels of government to arrive at a plan of action?

Response: I will continue to monitor Detroit's population, cuts to federal or state funding, recession numbers, major employee layoffs and slowdowns in retail/entertainment spending as signs of our economic health. You can't grow your city from within your city. Detroit needs to attract new industries to provide a greater tax base. A Jenkins Administration will work to create the conditions for growth by creating an an environment that makes it easy to do business and reducing the steps to open a business here. We will appoint a Chief Growth Officer that is charged with increasing our population by diversifying the economy. We'll look at some of the fastest growing industries–healthcare, clean technology, semiconductors, and mobility--and work to bring them here. This office will work with all levels of government to cut red tape and make Detroit the ideal place to call "home" for companies and their employees.

1) Federal policies often shift in ways that impact cities’ ability to provide essential services and maintain stability, especially in today’s political climate. What are the key federal programs you believe most directly affect Detroiters, and how would you advocate to preserve or replace these supports?

Response: The federal funding source whose impending absence is the most pressing here in Detroit and in cities across the county is ARPA, followed closely by HUD resources (CDBG, HOME, CDBG-DR etc). With ARPA, we are faced with a funding cliff that jeopardizes everything from blight remediation, job training and small business supports to home repair, homeless services and resource navigation. With HUD, we are faced with uncertainty in a space that impacts every Detroiter: Housing. In practice, my Administration will be prepared on day one to use data and community feedback to identify the most impactful of the ARPA and HUD initiatives. We will then lean on laser-focused, collaborative partnerships such as public-private financing models for development, targeted philanthropic support matched with internal resources and state grants to further sustain marquee initiatives. Affordable housing and home repair represent a nexus of many different aspects of quality of life for Detroiters, and therefore should be a focus of preservation and expansion. We will prioritize improving Detroit Lank Bank processes so that Detroiters can buy and repair homes. It is also central to economic mobility, as our homeowners’ property value stands to significantly rise with new roofs and other crucial improvements. And it is at the center of my Restoring Neighborhoods platform to grow Detroit, reduce housing insecurity and drive business and growth to Detroit's legacy residential and commercial corridors.

2) With the challenges posed by economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and evolving federal policies, what will be your approach to collaborating with local, regional, and national leaders to protect Detroit’s progress? What specific area—such as housing, education, or economic development—will you prioritize?

Response: Economic empowerment is a pillar of my campaign, and will be a focus of my administration moving forward. And the only way to combat uncertainty while still progressing so that all Detroiters experience the City’s comeback, is together. Locally, I recently announced a Faith-Based Development Initiative which under my administration will empower legacy neighborhood institutions to facilitate housing and commercial development opportunities with resources and stakeholder pairing provided by my Administration. I also stood alongside Mayor Duggan to announce a new concierge service to spark small business growth City-wide by cutting red tape and expediting City licensing processes, which I intend to expand. Regionally, I will work diligently at the State level to address property taxes, lowering costs in order to unlock the potential of homeowners to become business owners, and for our existing businesses to grow. Nationally, I will advocate for Detroit to be prioritized for significant federal support, improving transit through USDOT to support our transit system, stabilizing our residents and contributing to economic mobility. My goal is to build and lead a set of coalitions featuring community members, stakeholders, and fellow Mayors. We will use a collective voice to advocate for resources that economically empower Detroit, enhance the region, and further elevate our City on a national level.

3) A review of the City of Detroit’s Economic Outlook 2024-2029, dated February 2025, states that:

“Detroit’s economic recovery has encountered significant headwinds over the last eight months, but we expect it to regain its footing this year as the macroeconomic environment becomes more favorable. We note, however, that there is substantial uncertainty surrounding our forecast, particularly regarding policy changes with the new presidential administration, as well as with the pace of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s response.”

The report further states that the gains made in the number of jobs in the city and the number of Detroiters employed have declined since mid-2024. With this sobering background information and the instability caused by the tariff policies and the anticipated gutting of federal programs, what will your strategy be to:

A. Monitor the general fund for impacts, identify the trigger for a reduction in revenue that would necessitate scaling back services or triggering layoffs, and/or slow down the pace of service delivery?

B. Engage other levels of government to arrive at a plan of action?

Response: The first 100 days of my administration includes several measures to address this. One is a capacity-building directive to establish additional layers of fiscal and legal oversight within the Mayor’s Office. I will require a regular internal budget audit that supplements the Council-facilitated Standing Committee on Budget, Finance and Audit. Due to possible risk factors including the resuming of pension contributions, the ARPA cliff, and federal instability, I will also ensure that the Office of the Auditor General is appropriately funded and expanded if needed. Where a program may need to be curtailed due to a federal clawback, I plan to work with close partners such as DESC to route displaced City staff to alternative employment opportunities, broadly alert the public of the adjustment and rationale, and provide alternative resources to fill the gap left by the program. In the case of unforeseeable emergencies such as a natural disaster or mass displacement, a rainy day fund exists to buffer shortfalls and ensure that residents are made whole. Presiding over 12 balanced budgets, 11 with a surplus, I know for certain that our current system, with the additional support that I plan to integrate, will be nimble and responsive in uncertain times. Finally, I will recruit experienced, high-level executive administrators to frame proactive contingencies alongside our county and state partners, so that we can collectively react to and adjust operations should a disruption occur.

1) Federal policies often shift in ways that impact cities’ ability to provide essential services and maintain stability, especially in today’s political climate. What are the key federal programs you believe most directly affect Detroiters, and how would you advocate to preserve or replace these supports?

Response: Many Detroiters get health care through Medicaid and food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This includes working individuals and families, older Detroiters and children. At the same time, over 82,000 Detroiters spend more than one-third of their income on housing, which exceeds the recommended income-to-rent ratio so families and individuals can meet other basic needs. One analysis notes Detroit needs at least 10,000 new affordable housing units. Medicaid, SNAP and affordable housing programs are vital to Detroiters, and cuts to these programs would be disastrous. Medicaid cuts would leave countless Detroiters with no health care coverage and threaten to shut down Detroit’s three federally-qualified health centers. Cuts to SNAP would worsen hunger in Detroit, where food insecurity affects 7 in 10 households.

With experience leading in the state Legislature and Detroit City Council, I will be laser-focused on robust housing, nutrition and health care funding by working closely with state and federal leaders to ensure Detroit gets the resources that help our residents be safe and healthy, thrive and succeed. I will build on private-public partnerships to support Detroiters in their neighborhoods, especially efforts to provide fresh and nutritious food, including fruits and vegetables. I intend to call on every available resource at the state and federal level to deliver the three basics – health care, food and housing – for the people of Detroit.

2) With the challenges posed by economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and evolving federal policies, what will be your approach to collaborating with local, regional, and national leaders to protect Detroit’s progress? What specific area—such as housing, education, or economic development—will you prioritize?

Response: I will be laser-focused on economic development to expand opportunities for every Detroiter, in every neighborhood, so they can build a good life for themselves and their families. My economic platform includes cutting property taxes for homeowners and small businesses, and making owners of blighted properties pay their fair share. This will reward homeownership and help create generational wealth in the City of Detroit, while reducing blight in our neighborhoods. I will increase access to capital and encourage entrepreneurship and job creation, while building commercial corridors in neighborhoods across Detroit. I will cut red tape and make the City government easy to work with. As a champion for affordable housing, I will expand my PILOT Fast Track ordinance to build more affordable housing faster to meet resident demands, while putting people to work in good-paying skilled trades and construction jobs.

As mayor, I also plan to strengthen education by creating a Detroit Education Commission that will work with stakeholders, including the DPSCD, its superintendent, charter schools, the business and nonprofit communities and others to recommend ways to implement programs that can elevate education for all children, including implementing individualized learning plans at younger grades and increasing safe transportation options to and from school such as the HopSkip Drive initiative to allow parents to send children to school using certified ride-share options.

3) A review of the City of Detroit’s Economic Outlook 2024-2029, dated February 2025, states that:

“Detroit’s economic recovery has encountered significant headwinds over the last eight months, but we expect it to regain its footing this year as the macroeconomic environment becomes more favorable. We note, however, that there is substantial uncertainty surrounding our forecast, particularly regarding policy changes with the new presidential administration, as well as with the pace of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s response.”

The report further states that the gains made in the number of jobs in the city and the number of Detroiters employed have declined since mid-2024. With this sobering background information and the instability caused by the tariff policies and the anticipated gutting of federal programs, what will your strategy be to:

A. Monitor the general fund for impacts, identify the trigger for a reduction in revenue that would necessitate scaling back services or triggering layoffs, and/or slow down the pace of service delivery?

B. Engage other levels of government to arrive at a plan of action?

Response: Detroit recently came out of the largest municipal bankruptcy in the country. President Trump and Republicans appear dead-set on eliminating wide swaths of the federal safety net and their tariffs threaten to destabilize our local & regional economies. As the next Mayor of Detroit, I will quickly assemble a world-class team of policy and government experts to set a stable course and secure fiscal foundation that can protect Detroit from federal budget cuts and a recession. We will work to identify areas most vulnerable to federal cuts and potential budget shortfalls and, should the circumstances present themselves, backfill with our rainy day fund and construct resilient budgets built to withstand recession and federal cuts. This means coordinating closely with state and local leaders and agencies – something I have extensive experience with through my experiences as a leader in the state Legislature. At the same time, I have strong relationships with Michigan’s congressional delegation and intend to work closely with them to ensure Detroit continues to serve our residents.

1) Federal policies often shift in ways that impact cities’ ability to provide essential services and maintain stability, especially in today’s political climate. What are the key federal programs you believe most directly affect Detroiters, and how would you advocate to preserve or replace these supports?

Response: Programs designed to support the social service security net are key to the survival of the city. Programs which address homeless, food insecurity, mental health services and job training need our philanthropic and corporate partners at the table committed to helping fill funding gaps and build long-term solutions. The Mayor's office will be key to coordinating these efforts to maximize the use of resources for the greater impact and better use of scarce resources and funding that is available. The Mayor's Office would serve as the gateway to resource allocation and coordination of service.

2) With the challenges posed by economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and evolving federal policies, what will be your approach to collaborating with local, regional, and national leaders to protect Detroit’s progress? What specific area—such as housing, education, or economic development—will you prioritize?

Response: Federal policy is always fluid. Understanding how to manage in a scarce resource environment is something I have had to do during my 27 years of my public service. The most effective way to navigate uncertainty is through real collaboration when everyone understands the bigger picture and steps up to do their part.

If I had to name one top priority, it would be education. Our young people deserve real opportunity, and that only happens when schools, community organizations, and government leaders work together not in silos. That same mindset has to apply across the board, whether we’re talking about housing, economic development, or job training.

The Mayor’s Office has to set the tone. It should lead by setting clear priorities, building strong partnerships, and making sure that every dollar spent is moving Detroit in the right direction not just in the short term, but for the long haul.

3) A review of the City of Detroit’s Economic Outlook 2024-2029, dated February 2025, states that:

“Detroit’s economic recovery has encountered significant headwinds over the last eight months, but we expect it to regain its footing this year as the macroeconomic environment becomes more favorable. We note, however, that there is substantial uncertainty surrounding our forecast, particularly regarding policy changes with the new presidential administration, as well as with the pace of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s response.”

The report further states that the gains made in the number of jobs in the city and the number of Detroiters employed have declined since mid-2024. With this sobering background information and the instability caused by the tariff policies and the anticipated gutting of federal programs, what will your strategy be to:

A. Monitor the general fund for impacts, identify the trigger for a reduction in revenue that would necessitate scaling back services or triggering layoffs, and/or slow down the pace of service delivery?

B. Engage other levels of government to arrive at a plan of action?

Response: Both A and B are important, and must work in concert with one another. It is important to closely monitor revenue and expense reports to determine whether mid year budget adjustments must be made. Recognizing that core services, such as public safety and transportation must be maintained, we will prioritize needs based on resident concerns. The existence of a rainy day fund does provide some cushion, but should be utilized as a last resort to encourage more aggressive management of the problem.

The Mayor's Office should lead by example in reducing its overall footprint so actual service delivery departments can meet their goals and objectives. Executive leadership on this issue will be developed in concert with department heads, fiscal analysis and other stakeholders to ensure that an actionable plan of action is available. Is public service being compromised; is a critical function related to protecting the public health compromised; does the proposed action have the effect of reducing an essential service to city residents? Is there a better way of providing the service which does not violate any existing labor agreement? All of these issues have to be addressed in order to determine the best possible approach to maintain the fiscal solvency of the city.

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