Levan C. Adams - Candidate for City Council At-Large

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: A lot of Detroiters depend on federal programs like housing assistance, food support, and funding for road repairs and public safety. Programs like Section 8, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Community Development Block Grant help keep families stable. When those are cut, it hits our neighborhoods hard. I’d work with our federal reps to make sure Detroit isn’t left behind, and if that support starts to dry up, I’ll push the city to partner with nonprofits and local businesses to fill in the gaps. We can’t sit back and wait, we’ve got to fight for what our people need.

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 believed that strong partnerships create strong communities. As we face rising costs and shifting federal support, I’ll work with leaders at every level, local, regional, and national, to keep Detroit moving forward. My top priority is housing. If people don’t have a stable place to live, everything else becomes harder, finding a job, raising a family, or getting an education. I’ll fight to protect programs that help Detroiters stay in their homes, fix their homes, and buy homes. And I’ll push for real investment in affordable housing, not just talk. I’m about results, not politics.

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:

A. If the economy starts declining, we can’t wait until we’re in crisis to act. I’d keep a close eye on the city’s income tax revenue, property taxes, and state funding, those are key signals. If we see a drop-off that lasts more than a couple months, especially in income tax collections, that’s a sign we need to tap the brakes. That might mean holding off on new spending, pausing new hires, and slowing down large projects, not cutting vital services right away. The goal is to adjust early so we don’t have to make deep cuts later.

B. I’ve spent my career working with different departments and agencies, and I’d bring that same approach to this job. I’d stay in contact with our state reps, county leaders, and federal partners to make sure Detroit’s needs are well known. If federal programs get cut or tariffs hurt our job market, we need a seat at the table to fight for resources. I’d also work with other city leaders across the country to build pressure in D.C. We can’t afford to be reactive, we need a plan and strong relationships already in place.

Janee’ L. Ayers - Candidate for City Council At-Large

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: We are in unprecedented times. As Chair of the Budget Committee, I’ve had to face tough questions of resources allocation. There are several programs that come to mind that greatly impact Detroiters. Section 8 funding, Community Development Block grants, HUD disaster grants and even Low Income Housing Tax credits to name a few. The frank reality is that with massive potential federal grant and funding cuts, some projects will not continue to be funded from public resources. That being said, to the extent possible, I would first target for preservation those programs that provide critical health, life and safety services. Second, I would look to preserve those projects that provide other essential economic supports with long-term impact like CDBG funded home repair grants. The reality is that we will have to get creative and implement private public partnerships in order to sustain during these unscrupulous federal times.

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 have always been a leader that works to build bridges and engage in effective communication. I will continue to utilize relationships on all levels of government and business sectors to facilitate conversations that lead to actionable items that best serve the citizens of Detroit. I believe it is difficult to choose between the aforementioned areas of interest because they are all intertwined, however I can have a direct effect on economic development and housing so I would be inclined to start with those areas first.

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 the former chair of the Budget Committee these are sobering realities that I have been preparing for well before 2020. I know the daunting task of trying to submit six balanced budgets to emerge from bankruptcy and state financial oversight while still trying to ensure robust city services and amenities for all residents. I will remain diligent in weekly meetings with the OCFO's office, remaining engaged with the budgetary forecast meetings, staying present with both pension boards, staying in touch with our business partners and the incoming administration for a best effort attempt to know exactly what is happening economically.

James Harris - Candidate for City Council At-Large

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 key federal programs that I believe most directly affect Detroiters are Social Security, Affordable Care Act. I would advocate to preserve or replace these supports by lobbying our federal lawmakers to fight for these programs and continue to improve upon them.

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 work to build a coalition of local, regional and national leaders to guard against policies that could cause a disruption to Detroit's progress. I would prioritize housing, education, economic development and public safety.

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:

A. The trigger I'd be looking for are the unemployment numbers in the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit.

B. I would work closely with local, county, state and federal lawmakers to build a coalition of leaders that will support the plan we have for Detroit.

Shakira Lynn Hawkins - Candidate for City Council At-Large

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 would work to build federal partnerships and work directly with Michigan’s congressional delegation and relevant federal agencies to advocate for Detroit’s needs. I would also consult with the National Leaugue of Cities and other organizations to elevate Detroit's voice in national policy discussions. Finally, I would convene regular public forums where residents can weigh in on federal programs impacting them, making sure Detroit’s advocacy reflects lived experiences. As a City Council member, I will fight to protect and expand critical supports—and ensure that every dollar is used to uplift our people, not just maintain the status quo.

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: Housing, education, and economic development are all tied together in many ways. Each needs to be addressed and prioritized. Recent reports suggest that a large number of Detroit school children are homeless. Housing instability affects school performance. In order to improve our school, we must invest more mo ey in our schools, which requires revenue. One source of revenue is economic development. I would take a holistic approach to address these issues, and partner with leaders at the state and federal level to ensure Detroit has access to all available federal resources.

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 a candidate for City Council, I take seriously the responsibility of protecting Detroiters from the fallout of national policy shifts and economic volatility.

As a Detroit City Council member, I would act early, transparently, and collaboratively to prepare for fiscal uncertainty. This includes:

-Monitoring revenues and setting defined fiscal triggers,

-Protecting essential services and workers through thoughtful prioritization,

-And working aggressively with state and federal partners to protect Detroit from economic aftershocks.

We cannot afford to wait until the crisis deepens—Detroit must lead with foresight, planning, and an unwavering commitment to its people.

Gary Hunter - Candidate for City Council At-Large

Did not respond.

Valerie R. Parker - Candidate for City Council At-Large

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 funds approved by Detroit City Council for Mayor Duggan's American Rescue Plan laid down how the funds would be spent. I will continue to build on his foundation to prevent intergeneral poverty. Affordable housing continues to be an issue to fight for. Home repairs for seniors and individual with disabilities I will give focus to. The city services have improved yet there is room for improvement. Home foreclosures due to loss of employment or health issues must continually be address. I will continue to support Neighborhood Opportunity Funds (NOF) assisting nonprofits and neighborhood services in revitalizing the communities.

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 an urban educator and advocate for the urban youths. Our public educational system is failing our Detroit citizens children. Independent schools are unregulated and that must change. Independent Charter schools Superintendent should be held accountable to Detroit City Council on the how they educate our future generation and their hiring practices. I will work with the rebuilding of the Educational System with the State and Lansing under the new administration educational restructuring plan.

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 understand that Detroit has done a great come back. A foundation has been laid by Mayor Mike Duggan. The changing of the federal administration changes every 4 years for the most part. We must continue to engage other levels of government with one voice and one plan of action. Where there is a tearing down there is a need to rebuild. We are rebranding Detroit. We will continue to grow and make Detroit Great Again.

Mary Waters - Candidate for City Council At-Large

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: While the City of Detroit receives a number of federal grants (both block grants and competitively-won grants), the biggest risk to our city is cuts to federal programs that help individual Detroiters. Currently, the federal government is considering a proposal that would gut Medicaid, which would have a disproportionate impact on Detroiters. With over 36% of Detroiters on Medicaid, and even more dual-eligible, it’s essential that the federal government maintain support for Medicaid or it is our residents who will pay the price. Jobs are also on the line, as cuts are considered for AmeriCorps, and proposed cuts to federal housing support both take away jobs from Detroiters but also secure housing. This is to say nothing of the ongoing immigration and trade wars that this administration is pursuing that have gutted our tourism industry and pose a huge risk to manufacturing and service jobs.

While I fervently wish that the City of Detroit had the resources to replace all of these programs, we simply do not. At the local level, I will continue to fight to be fiscally-responsible so that we can endure any municipal interruptions in grant funding, and I will continue to forge partnerships in the private sector and with members of government at various levels to minimize the impact that the chaos in Washington, DC may bring to Detroiters’ lives.

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: Building strong partnerships at all levels of government has been a core tenant of the success I've had for Detroiters in my first term. With the new federal administration, I will continue to leverage those partnerships to keep our federal funds going. Being responsible with our local funds is also critical to ensuring Detroiters continue to receive the quality services they deserve. I will fight against tax hikes like the proposed Land Value Tax that will take funds away from critical services and provide no tax relief to Detroiters. I will also work to ensure that we continue to pass fiscally-responsible budgets that are in-balance and seriously evaluate all efforts to issue new bonding, controlling our debt levels and debt service levels so that we never again have to face the scourge of Emergency Managers and bankruptcy. Finally, by strategically investing in job training and safe, affordable housing, we can maintain the great progress we have made and keep Detroit rising.

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:

A. I am very proud of the progress we have been making as a city, and have voted for three consecutive balanced budgets while seeing the city’s credit rating continue to increase due to strong financial management. I am pleased that the financial review board will be sunset and that we have made well-reasoned plans to avert the so-called ‘fiscal cliff’ of pension contributions. It is my belief that, if we continue to be effective stewards of the people’s tax dollars, we will not need to return to the dark days of service cuts and layoffs. With that being said, I will not approve budgets that rely on unsustainable debt levels to cover falling revenues; we know all-too-well what a bankruptcy can do to a city, and we know that the burden is always borne not by the creditors, but the seniors and retirees.

B. In these uncertain times, we all must band together to ensure that Detroiters, Wayne County residents, and Michiganders are all able to weather any economic doldrums that may come. I will continue to leverage the relationships I have built across the aisle at all levels of government to ensure Detroiters’ needs are heard and that we can all collaborate on needed solutions. One example is Community Violence Intervention funding, which I supported with ARPA dollars on council and have worked with legislators in Lansing to reintroduce the Public Safety Trust Fund program so that this initiative can continue.

Coleman A. Young II - Candidate for City Council At-Large

Did not respond.