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.