James Tate, Jr. - Candidate for City Council - District 1

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 support remains essential to how Detroit serves its residents—especially in truly affordable housing and reliable public transportation. Programs through HUD and the U.S. Department of Transportation directly impact Detroiters by funding affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and transit access. In recent years, the Housing and Revitalization Department has secured millions in federal funds, including $346 million from the Biden Administration to create deeply affordable housing, address flooding, and reduce homelessness. DDOT has also received significant federal investments to modernize its fleet and improve reliability.

These funds have been applied responsibly. While some may question the pace of progress, it reflects the scale of the deeply rooted challenges… not misuse. Reversing decades of disinvestment takes time and continued effort.

At the same time, we must prepare for tough decisions. Detroit’s budget has little to no “fat,” so shifting money from non-essential (but meaningful) services may be necessary to protect core programs. These choices won’t always be popular, but with honest conversations and sound leadership, we can protect the progress we’ve made and build a stronger, more equitable Detroit for all.

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 approach city leadership through a holistic lens—understanding how housing, wages, mobility, and public safety all connect to strengthen neighborhoods. With federal uncertainty and economic pressures, we must act strategically to safeguard Detroit’s progress. That means working closely with Congress, state leaders, and partners in the private sector.

My priority remains access to truly affordable housing. While federal investments have made a difference, the current Area Median Income (AMI) formula fails Detroiters. It includes data from higher-income suburban communities, significantly inflating the median and making it harder for Detroit residents—whose actual incomes are much lower—to qualify for housing support. I will continue pressing for a more accurate and just standard that reflects Detroit’s economic reality and supports deeper affordability.

Locally, we must also consider new tools. I support allowing voters to approve small local excise taxes if needed, as recommended in the Citizens Research Council of Michigan’s January 2023 report, commissioned by Council. At this stage of our recovery, any adjustment must protect the general fund. These ideas may not be easy—but I’m committed to working with the Mayor and my Council colleagues to find balanced, equitable solutions.

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:

Economic volatility and changing federal policy present serious risks to Detroit’s financial stability. As a strong mayor city, Detroit’s Executive and Legislative Branches must work closely to manage these pressures and advocate effectively at all levels of government. Council must also be ready to respond quickly to protect essential services and jobs.

To monitor the general fund, I will continue using the tools already in place. City Council receives regular financial updates, works with the Legislative Policy Division, and reviews reports from the Office of the Auditor General. We rely on the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) to identify trends and the Revenue Estimating Conference to forecast resources.

If serious threats emerge, we must be prepared to slow hiring, reduce discretionary spending, or shift funds to protect core services. These choices are difficult but must be based on data and made transparently.

I will also continue engaging state and federal partners to secure new funding and support. Any legislative action I bring forward will be in close coordination with my Council colleagues and with community impact in mind.

These times are unpredictable, but with careful planning, collaboration, and a willingness to have honest conversations, I believe we can protect the progress we’ve made and keep Detroit moving forward. This is not easy work, but our residents deserve steady leadership that puts their well-being at the center of every decision.