Solomon Kinloch - 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: Programs designed to support the social service security net are key to the survival of the city. Programs which address homeless, food insecurity, mental health services and job training need our philanthropic and corporate partners at the table committed to helping fill funding gaps and build long-term solutions. The Mayor's office will be key to coordinating these efforts to maximize the use of resources for the greater impact and better use of scarce resources and funding that is available. The Mayor's Office would serve as the gateway to resource allocation and coordination of service.

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: Federal policy is always fluid. Understanding how to manage in a scarce resource environment is something I have had to do during my 27 years of my public service. The most effective way to navigate uncertainty is through real collaboration when everyone understands the bigger picture and steps up to do their part.

If I had to name one top priority, it would be education. Our young people deserve real opportunity, and that only happens when schools, community organizations, and government leaders work together not in silos. That same mindset has to apply across the board, whether we’re talking about housing, economic development, or job training.

The Mayor’s Office has to set the tone. It should lead by setting clear priorities, building strong partnerships, and making sure that every dollar spent is moving Detroit in the right direction not just in the short term, but for the long haul.

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: Both A and B are important, and must work in concert with one another. It is important to closely monitor revenue and expense reports to determine whether mid year budget adjustments must be made. Recognizing that core services, such as public safety and transportation must be maintained, we will prioritize needs based on resident concerns. The existence of a rainy day fund does provide some cushion, but should be utilized as a last resort to encourage more aggressive management of the problem.

The Mayor's Office should lead by example in reducing its overall footprint so actual service delivery departments can meet their goals and objectives. Executive leadership on this issue will be developed in concert with department heads, fiscal analysis and other stakeholders to ensure that an actionable plan of action is available. Is public service being compromised; is a critical function related to protecting the public health compromised; does the proposed action have the effect of reducing an essential service to city residents? Is there a better way of providing the service which does not violate any existing labor agreement? All of these issues have to be addressed in order to determine the best possible approach to maintain the fiscal solvency of the city.