Saunteel Jenkins - 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: I am closely watching what is happening in Washington regarding Medicaid and how it will impact Detroiters since 1 in 4 Motor City residents (approximately 180,000 people) are on Medicaid. Federal Medicaid cuts would severely impact Detroit by deepening inequality, straining local health systems and triggering job losses. Maternal and pediatric care is particularly vulnerable with up to 75% of Detroit's patients using Medicaid. As a social worker by training, I understand that Medicaid is more than insurance; It's a critical pillar of social, economic, and healthcare equity. I would mobilize with other mayors across the country to protect this resource for Detroiters. During my time at THAW, I successfully advocated for the reversal of a Trump cut to energy assistance funding (LiHEAP) by organizing a coalition of cities impacted by the cuts. We perserved and ultimately saw an increase in resources. Detroit’s mayor needs to have good working relationship with all levels of government.

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 going to be a Mayor that is the biggest champion for EDUCATION because our kids deserve nothing less. In a Jenkins Administration, we will increase partnerships with our school system, to help ensure every child has access to high-quality schools that prepare them from cradle to career, and beyond. We will also create more intentional partnerships with local businesses and industries to foster well-prepared workers and build pathways from classrooms to careers that include vocational training and apprenticeships. We will work to create campuses that are vibrant centers of learning, open late for kids and seniors alike, and that serve as community neighborhood hubs in each of Detroit’s seven districts.

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 will continue to monitor Detroit's population, cuts to federal or state funding, recession numbers, major employee layoffs and slowdowns in retail/entertainment spending as signs of our economic health. You can't grow your city from within your city. Detroit needs to attract new industries to provide a greater tax base. A Jenkins Administration will work to create the conditions for growth by creating an an environment that makes it easy to do business and reducing the steps to open a business here. We will appoint a Chief Growth Officer that is charged with increasing our population by diversifying the economy. We'll look at some of the fastest growing industries–healthcare, clean technology, semiconductors, and mobility--and work to bring them here. This office will work with all levels of government to cut red tape and make Detroit the ideal place to call "home" for companies and their employees.