James Craig - Candidate for Mayor

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 impact on Detroit’s ability to deliver vital services - from housing to public safety to economic opportunity. As Mayor, I will fight to protect and maximize the federal programs that matter most to Detroiters.

First, housing is a top priority. Programs like the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) are essential for building and preserving affordable housing. I’ll work to expand these resources, cut red tape, and ensure they benefit long-time Detroit residents.

Second, public safety must remain a national and local priority. I’ll advocate for public safety funds while expanding partnerships for mental health crisis response teams. My experience as Police Chief and Deputy Mayor uniquely positions me to make sure federal dollars strengthen community trust and safety.

Third, Detroit must benefit from major infrastructure and workforce investments. I’ll push for resources to fix our roads, modernize water systems, while using federal workforce funds to train Detroiters for careers in construction, tech, and clean energy.

I'll actively pursue grants, build bipartisan partnerships in Washington, and ensure Detroit never misses an opportunity to move forward. I'm the only one in this mayoral race who has the unique relationship with the current White House administration and I'll leverage such connections that yield purposeful federal resources for Detroit.

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: As Mayor, I will bring experienced, steady leadership and a results-driven approach to collaboration - across city lines and party lines.

I’ve worked at the highest levels of city government and law enforcement. I understand the importance of strong partnerships with county, state, and federal leaders. My administration will prioritize pragmatic, bipartisan cooperation - not politics—as we work to safeguard Detroit’s momentum.

One of my top priority will be housing and neighborhood revitalization. A city’s future begins with where its people live. Detroiters need access to affordable housing, safe streets, and clean, connected neighborhoods. We will reform the Detroit Land Bank, expand access to homeownership, and ensure federal housing funds reach residents.

Rising housing costs and lack of housing access threaten our progress. I will ensure housing investment goes hand-in-hand with workforce training, small business growth, and neighborhood safety—because a strong Detroit must be equitable, livable, and economically stable.

We cannot afford to go backward. As Mayor, I’ll lead with integrity, build lasting partnerships, and focus on the core needs of Detroiters - starting with safe, affordable places to call home.

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 Mayor, I will take a proactive, data-driven approach to fiscal management. We can’t afford to wait until there’s a budget crisis to respond. My strategy begins with establishing 'CityStat Detroit', concept of Compstat that I implemented in the Detroit Police Department - a data-driven management process. This CityStat data and fiscal team will track real-time data on key economic indicators, like income tax receipts, property tax collections, utility revenues, and state and federal transfers to detect early signs of strain on the general fund.

I'll also conduct a financial audit of city government as well.

Most importantly, we will communicate transparently with city employees and the public. My administration will issue quarterly fiscal outlook reports to build trust and prepare for potential changes early.

Detroit cannot navigate economic uncertainty in isolation. I will lead a Detroit Economic Resilience Task Force, bringing together state and federal representatives, local business leaders, union partners, and municipal budget officials to coordinate a unified response to shifting economic conditions.

I will work directly with our Congressional delegation and the Governor’s Office to protect Detroit’s share of federal and state support.

This is about leadership. My administration will act early, plan smart, and engage partners at every level to shield Detroiters from the worst impacts of economic instability, while keeping our long-term vision for growth intact.