When Mike Duggan launched his improbable write-in campaign in 2013, Detroit was under the shadow of the largest municipal bankruptcy in history. That same year, former city workers feared for their pensions, neighborhoods were drowning in blight, and essential services were slipping further out of reach. Many wondered if Detroit would ever get back on its feet. Fast forward to 2024, and though the city is not without its struggles, there’s no doubt Duggan’s results-oriented governance has reshaped the city in remarkable ways. Now, as Duggan nears a pivotal decision about whether he’ll seek another term or pass the torch, Detroiters find themselves at a crossroads, reflecting on the past decade while grappling with what remains to be done.
Charity Dean, once a member of Duggan’s cabinet and now president and CEO of the Michigan Black Business Alliance, reflects on the mayor’s impact with a mix of admiration and realism. “I would give him a lot of credit for the transformation that we’ve seen downtown, for sure,” Dean shares, acknowledging the undeniable strides in infrastructure and investment Duggan has championed. “We’ve seen neighborhood transformation as well. We still have a long way to go in our city, for sure, but we’re nowhere near where we were in 2013.” Yes, streetlights that were once darkened and dangerous are now restored, and response times for public safety have improved. But Dean’s words carry a reminder: while these gains are worth celebrating, they are not the whole story.
Duggan’s administration has managed to draw new industries to Detroit, with tech, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing firms setting up shop, promising opportunities that, ideally, will open doors for Detroiters. Anika Goss, CEO of Detroit Future City, sees these developments as positive yet complex. “The momentum that the Duggan administration has really put us on this fast track to revitalization, and that is something that I think every Detroiter, no matter where you live, wants to continue,” Goss notes. But she also points to a deeper concern, one that has long simmered in Detroit’s working-class neighborhoods: “A new administration will have the complicated challenge of really trying to figure out how that economic momentum benefits all Detroiters at every level.” In a city with stark economic divides, Duggan’s successor will need to confront how Detroit’s growth can uplift everyone, not just a select few.
Detroit’s population, which had been in steady decline, saw a modest increase in recent years, yet concerns about gentrification remain. New housing is on the rise, but affordability is a constant worry. Rents are still high for many lifelong residents, and the city relies on tax incentives to support development. As Goss points out, neighborhoods across Detroit still need serious investment in housing, commercial spaces, and parks. The gains of Duggan’s administration, she suggests, should serve as the foundation for a broader vision that extends beyond downtown and the central business districts.
And while Duggan has succeeded in keeping clashes with City Council largely behind closed doors—a sharp contrast to previous administrations—a new mayor may not have the same experience or political savvy to navigate those relationships. Duggan’s decision to propose a new property tax structure remains another significant issue. High property taxes are a barrier for residents and businesses alike, with Rick Portwood, CEO of The Display Group, summing it up plainly: “They’ve got to figure out a way to get the taxes down. That’s a barrier to entry for a lot of people.” Lowering taxes could encourage more residents and businesses to invest in Detroit’s future, but getting there will require grit and strategy from whoever follows Duggan.
For business leaders like Clifford Brown, a Detroit developer, bureaucracy is another thorny problem that needs addressing. “Whoever comes in office has to understand that it is still extremely difficult to get deals done,” he says, explaining that red tape and prohibitive costs have hampered development in areas like southwest Detroit, West Village, and Brush Park. Brown isn’t the only one concerned about the bureaucratic maze in city government; Duggan himself has recognized it as a problem, most recently in September. Future administrations will need to cut through that bureaucracy if they want to see continued progress across all neighborhoods.
The question on many minds is whether Duggan’s legacy of fostering partnerships—among city, state, and federal governments, private businesses, and the nonprofit sector—will hold in his absence. Sandy Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, believes it’s one of Duggan’s greatest strengths. “The incredible collaboration and alignment between philanthropy, the governmental community—and that’s federal, state and local, led by the mayor—the business community and then finally the community itself” has been key to Detroit’s recent stability, Baruah notes. This ability to bring together diverse stakeholders is no small feat and will be crucial for Duggan’s successor.
Ryan Maibach, president and CEO of Barton Malow Co., echoes this sentiment. Duggan, he observes, has a knack for building partnerships that get things done. Duggan’s approach is unique: “He has demonstrated a unique ability to solve problems by building partnerships with political, business, and community leaders.” Such skills have allowed Detroit to push forward, even when the odds were stacked high.
In addition to political acumen, Duggan’s background in business has shaped his approach to running the city. John Rakolta Jr., chairman of Walbridge Co., believes Duggan’s tenure has been nothing short of transformative. “He knew he had a bad deck of cards when he went into office, and not only did he play them brilliantly, but he’s really rebuilt the city,” Rakolta asserts. Duggan has managed to leverage private investment in ways that benefit the city’s infrastructure, including public services, blight reduction, and the police department. Rakolta is optimistic about Detroit’s future and is confident that even without Duggan at the helm, the city has safeguards to prevent regression.
Rakolta’s belief in Detroit’s resilience echoes through his words: “I think that the city has righted itself in many ways. I’m optimistic that if he doesn’t run, there will emerge centrist candidates who will determine not only the city’s future direction but will have learned and seen from the mistakes of the past and continue doing what Mike Duggan has done so well.” His perspective reflects a broader hope among Detroit’s stakeholders that the city will remain on a positive trajectory, no matter who takes the mayoral seat next.
But for Charity Dean, who works closely with Detroit’s Black-owned businesses, Duggan’s potential departure would leave a void that goes beyond policy or infrastructure. “If the mayor decides not to run again, hell yeah, there’s a void. We need someone that’s going to be able to build bridges,” Dean says, stressing that the next mayor must have the political flexibility to work across party lines, especially considering the national political climate. Detroit’s future depends on a leader who can foster unity, bridge divides, and prioritize the city’s diverse communities.
It’s no secret that Black Detroiters are the heartbeat of this city—its culture bearers, innovators, and unyielding champions of resilience. Through decades of disinvestment and neglect, they held their ground, built families, and uplifted communities with a love that runs deep. They kept Detroit alive when others looked away, carrying on a legacy of strength in neighborhoods that embody Black resilience. As Detroit moves forward, the city’s next leader must understand the importance of pouring resources into these neighborhoods. Focusing on schools, parks, and local businesses is vital to creating a Detroit where opportunity reaches every street. Investing in the people and places that define this city’s heartbeat will secure a thriving future for all Detroiters.
Duggan’s journey from a write-in candidate to one of Detroit’s most results-oriented mayors is a story of resilience and transformation. As Detroit prepares for the next chapter, the stakes are high. Duggan has laid a foundation; the task ahead is to ensure that Detroit’s progress lifts every Detroiter, every neighborhood, and every community across the city. Whether Duggan runs again or not, the torch is ready to be passed. It’s now a matter of who is prepared to carry it forward.
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