Bobbi Johnson - Candidate for City Council - District 7

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 and powerful impact on Detroit’s ability to deliver services, invest in neighborhoods, and ensure a decent quality of life for all residents. Several federal programs are especially vital to Detroiters,

Key Federal Programs Impacting Detroit:

Community Development Block Grant's(CDBG), Housing Choice Vouchers andHUD Programs, Section 8 vouchers, public housing subsidies, and HOME Investment, Federal Transit Funding (FTA Grants).

Detroit's transit system needs modernization and expansion. Federal transit grants support buses, shelters, and equity-based transit development in underserved communities.

How I Would Advocate for Detroit:

Coalition Building with Other Cities, Direct Engagement with Lawmakers.

In case of federal cuts, I’d promote creating local revenue strategies or partnering with philanthropic and nonprofit partners to fill gaps while fighting to restore lost funding.

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:

To protect and build upon Detroit’s progress amid economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and shifting federal policies, my approach to collaboration will be rooted in coalition-building, transparency, and data-driven advocacy. I will prioritize economic development, with a strong focus on creating equitable opportunities for Detroit residents.

Local Leaders: I will work closely with neighborhood associations, block clubs, and city departments to ensure policies reflect the needs of Detroiters on the ground. I’ll also partner with local school boards and community colleges to align workforce training with Detroit’s evolving job market.

Priority: Economic Development

Detroit’s future depends on an economy that works for everyone. I will prioritize:

Small Business Growth: Expand access to capital and technical support for Detroit entrepreneurs, especially Black- and woman-owned businesses.

Job Creation & Training

Neighborhood Investment: Push for development in underinvested neighborhoods, not just downtown, with community benefits agreements that benefit residents.

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: Given the economic uncertainty detailed in the City of Detroit’s Economic Outlook 2024–2029, a comprehensive and proactive approach is critical to safeguard public services, protect jobs, and ensure fiscal stability. Here’s a clear and actionable strategy I would pursue:

A. Monitoring the General Fund and Identifying Triggers

1. Implement Monthly Revenue and Expenditure Tracking

2. Define “Trigger Points” for Action

Work with the Chief Financial Officer and Budget Department to define specific thresholds for action.

3. Create a Tiered Response Plan

4. Build Reserves

B. Engaging Other Levels of Government

1. Coordinate a Detroit Regional Response Coalition

2. Establish a Federal and State Policy Response Team

3. Advocate Aggressively for Detroit at the Federal Level

4. Collaborate with the Private Sector and Philanthropy

Leverage partnerships with business leaders and Detroit-based foundations ( Kresge, Skillman) to launch:

Emergency workforce stabilization funds.

Bridge programs for health, housing, or food security if federal programs are slashed.

Finally

My strategy will be rooted in transparency, data-driven planning, and early coordination. The goal is not only to respond to fiscal stress but to preserve community trust, protect the most vulnerable Detroiters, and maintain momentum on our long-term goals despite economic turbulence.