The Michigan Chronicle will launch the 21st season of its signature Pancakes & Politics series with a special Auto Show Edition on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. at Huntington Place in Detroit, convening some of the region’s most influential voices at a pivotal moment for Detroit, Michigan, and the global automotive industry.
Held during Detroit Auto Show week, the event will feature a high-level panel discussion with Jared Fleisher, CEO of Bedrock; Warren C. Evans, Wayne County Executive; and Chris Thomas, Co-founder and Partner of Assembly Ventures. The conversation – titled “Moving Our Regional Economy Forward” – will be moderated by Dennis Archer Jr., bringing together perspectives from private development, public policy, and entrepreneurial investment to explore the future of mobility, economic growth, and regional collaboration.
Pancakes & Politics has become a staple of Detroit’s civic calendar, known for fostering candid conversations that shape public discourse.
This year’s early kickoff underscores the urgency of the moment as Michigan faces transformative changes across the automotive landscape, including electric vehicle adoption, infrastructure modernization, and the evolving relationship between cities, suburbs, and industry.
“This panel represents the intersection of power, place, and possibility in Michigan right now,” said Hiram E. Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media and Publisher of Michigan Chronicle.
“With leaders like Jared Fleisher, Warren Evans, and Chris Thomas, we’re bringing together voices that shape land use, public policy, investment, and regional growth at a moment when Detroit and the auto industry are redefining what the future looks like. These conversations are imperative now because the decisions being made today – about mobility, infrastructure, and economic inclusion – will determine who benefits from the next era of automotive innovation. Pancakes & Politics exists to ensure those decisions are informed, inclusive, and grounded in the lived realities of our communities.”
Fleisher serves as CEO of Bedrock, Detroit’s largest real estate developer. Under his leadership, Bedrock is continuing to drive transformative projects across downtown Detroit and Cleveland, focusing on mixed-use development, urban density, and inclusive economic growth.
Evans oversees Michigan’s most populous county and plays a critical role in shaping regional policy, infrastructure investment, and public services. With decades of experience in public leadership, he has championed collaboration across municipalities while addressing challenges related to transportation, economic equity, and workforce development – issues deeply tied to the future of the automotive industry.
Thomas is the co-founder and president of Assembly Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on transportation, mobility, and the future of cities. A longtime automotive executive and innovator, Thomas brings a global perspective on how emerging technologies, startups, and capital investment are reshaping mobility ecosystems and redefining Detroit’s role in the next chapter of the industry.
The discussion will be led by longtime Pancakes & Politics moderator Archer Jr., CEO of sixteen42 Ventures. Archer brings a deep understanding of Detroit’s business environment and community priorities, ensuring a balanced and forward-looking discussion.
As one of the most anticipated events surrounding the Detroit Auto Show, the Pancakes & Politics Auto Show Edition will focus on smart city development, electric vehicle infrastructure, regional economic strategy, and workforce readiness – topics essential to maintaining Michigan’s leadership in automotive innovation.
“The Detroit Auto Show is about more than cars. It’s about community, innovation, and charting the future,” said Sam Klemet, executive director of the Detroit Auto Show. “Partnering with the Michigan Chronicle on Pancakes & Politics allows us to elevate critical conversations during one of the city’s most important weeks.”
Tickets for the event are now on sale at michiganchronicle.com/pancakesandpolitics, with individual tickets and table reservations available. Attendance is expected to sell out quickly as business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders gather for a timely discussion that sets the tone for the year ahead.
For more information on Pancakes & Politics and a full list of Detroit Auto Show events, visit DetroitAutoShow.com.
