Detroit’s fiscal standing has improved considerably under Mayor Mike Duggan, but as he prepares to exit, Detroiters face a critical decision about their city’s future. From neighborhood block clubs to long-standing business districts, the conversation is the same—who will lead Detroit’s next chapter? After more than a decade of financial recovery and development, the city finds itself at a defining moment. Investment has reshaped downtown, but many communities continue to grapple with aging infrastructure, rising property costs, a workforce in need of greater opportunities, and uneven access to city services. Longtime residents wonder if the progress they hear about will ever reach their neighborhoods. With Duggan stepping aside, the race for leadership is wide open, and Detroiters are asking hard questions. Who will ensure that revitalization includes more than new construction projects? Who will address long-standing disparities in housing, transportation, and economic opportunity? Detroiters are looking beyond campaign promises—they want a leader committed to strengthening every neighborhood, not just the city’s economic core.
The next mayor will inherit a city that has come a long way from financial ruin, yet challenges remain— the question is, who will lead Detroit forward while keeping the people at the center of progress?
Over the past 11 years, Detroit has emerged from the nation’s largest municipal bankruptcy, halted population loss, and started to grow again. Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods have seen increased investment, but many Detroiters feel left out of the city’s economic recovery. Eric Lupher, president of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, acknowledges the fiscal discipline but notes that sustainability is key: “It’s been very sound budget practices, as you would hope for coming out of bankruptcy. Creating certainty, not running deficits. That’s a practice that we hope to continue going forward.”
Duggan’s departure leaves a leadership gap, and the candidates vying for the seat recognize that the stakes are high. Detroiters have seen progress, but they also know that stability alone isn’t enough—real equity and opportunity must be expanded to every neighborhood, not just downtown.
Mary Sheffield, the 37-year-old City Council president, has spent her career advocating for working-class Detroiters. She credits the council’s partnership with Duggan for helping balance the budget and improving the city’s bond rating, but she is clear that more must be done. “And working together closely, we emerged from bankruptcy and emergency management,” Sheffield said during her candidacy announcement. “We balanced budgets and improved our bond rating.” Now, she aims to ensure that Detroit’s growth benefits every resident. Sheffield has raised approximately $467,852 in campaign contributions, indicating strong financial backing for her bid.
Fred Durhal III, a 40-year-old City Council member from the city’s west side, understands the importance of maintaining Detroit’s fiscal health. Chairing the council’s Budget, Finance, and Audit Standing Committee, he has worked to ensure the city doesn’t slip backward. Durhal acknowledges the challenge ahead, especially with the loss of $826.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. “When we talk about Detroit being a great place, we also have to understand we’re in a vulnerable state,” he said. “We can’t afford to go backwards, so we have to make decisions that are going to be fiscally responsible.” Durhal has raised over $112,000 for his campaign, reflecting steady support from Detroiters.
Saunteel Jenkins, a former City Council president and nonprofit executive, points to increasing liabilities as a major issue. She highlights the rising costs of city services, from public safety to public transit, and stresses the need for responsible budgeting. “Pension payments are due, Grand Bargain payments have gone away,” she noted. “We’ve increased the number of bus drivers, police. All things we need to do, but they’re all things that cost money, right? So fiscal responsibility is going to be important.” Last reported, Jenkins has raised over $173,000, positioning herself as a competitive contender in the race.
Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., the 51-year-old pastor of Triumph Church, has led his congregation for over 25 years, expanding it into one of the largest in the nation with multiple services every Sunday that reach tens of thousands both in-person and online. His presence in the race brings a nationally recognized leader with a vast grassroots following. His influence extends beyond the church, touching sectors of social services, community development, and economic empowerment. Kinloch has made it clear that he believes the city’s financial stability must remain a top priority. In a campaign memo, he stated that maintaining Detroit’s financial health is “of paramount importance.” While the financial details of his campaign remain unclear, his network suggests a formidable base of support, with tens of thousands behind him.
State Representative Joe Tate, representing Michigan’s 10th district since 2019, has formed an exploratory committee for the mayoral race. A former U.S. Marine and ex-NFL player, Tate brings a diverse background to his political career. As the former Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, he has experience in state-level governance and policymaking. Tate has raised approximately $128,683 in the last quarter of 2024, making him a potential strong candidate should he formally enter the race.
Jonathan Barlow, CEO of The WKND Company is a longtime advocate for youth, families, and small businesses. With over two decades of experience, he has worked to assist homeowners facing foreclosure, support local entrepreneurs, and collaborate with city officials to foster economic growth. Barlow’s mayoral campaign focuses on expanding access to good-paying jobs, increasing affordable housing, modernizing city services, and leveraging technology to improve efficiency.
Attorney Todd Perkins has also announced his candidacy, bringing legal expertise and a commitment to justice to the field. While specific details about his campaign platform are emerging, Perkins emphasizes the need for legal and systemic reforms to address longstanding issues within the city.
Potential candidates include businessman Dennis Archer Jr., son of former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, who has expressed interest in running. Archer Jr. has built a name in the restaurant and business sector, and if he enters the race, he would bring a blend of business acumen and political lineage to the field. Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig is also rumored to be considering a bid. Craig, who previously ran for governor and the U.S. Senate, could add a law-and-order stance to the race if he decides to jump in.
The conversation about economic growth remains central to this election. For years, the city has used tax incentives to attract large-scale development, but some residents and policymakers argue it’s time to rethink that strategy. At a recent City Council meeting, the Citizens Research Council presented findings on the impact of tax incentives, urging officials to consider redirecting tax revenue toward essential services like public education and infrastructure.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has played a major role in Detroit’s economic development, but some believe it’s time to reevaluate its reach. “The good news is, you’re not going to have to do this forever,” Lupher told city officials. “At some point, knock on wood, the city continues to grow and the math starts to work to where developers don’t need to go asking for government participation.”
Candidates have taken different stances on the issue. Durhal is firm in his support for tax incentives in specific circumstances, calling for expanding DDA tax capture boundaries to drive more investment into neighborhoods beyond downtown. Sheffield and Jenkins both support economic development but also propose new revenue strategies. Sheffield has suggested an amusement tax for major events, while Jenkins has floated the idea of allowing Detroit to levy its own sales tax, beyond the state’s 6% rate—both proposals that would require state approval.
Detroit stands at a defining moment, and the weight of this election is felt in every neighborhood. The progress of the past decade has reshaped parts of the city, but many are still waiting for meaningful investment. Will the next mayor build on the foundation that has been laid, or will they push for a new approach that prioritizes the voices and needs of longtime residents? Both are critical. Detroit’s resurgence has positioned the city as a model of resilience, earning respect on a national scale, but the work is far from finished. The Aug. 5 primary is approaching, and voters are looking beyond campaign rhetoric—they want a leader who understands the realities of everyday Detroiters, someone who will ensure that revitalization reaches those who have waited the longest. The choice ahead is not just about maintaining stability, but about who will take action, make hard decisions, and lead with a vision that includes every corner of Detroit.
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