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.