Valerie R. Parker - 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: The funds approved by Detroit City Council for Mayor Duggan's American Rescue Plan laid down how the funds would be spent. I will continue to build on his foundation to prevent intergeneral poverty. Affordable housing continues to be an issue to fight for. Home repairs for seniors and individual with disabilities I will give focus to. The city services have improved yet there is room for improvement. Home foreclosures due to loss of employment or health issues must continually be address. I will continue to support Neighborhood Opportunity Funds (NOF) assisting nonprofits and neighborhood services in revitalizing the communities.

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 an urban educator and advocate for the urban youths. Our public educational system is failing our Detroit citizens children. Independent schools are unregulated and that must change. Independent Charter schools Superintendent should be held accountable to Detroit City Council on the how they educate our future generation and their hiring practices. I will work with the rebuilding of the Educational System with the State and Lansing under the new administration educational restructuring plan.

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 understand that Detroit has done a great come back. A foundation has been laid by Mayor Mike Duggan. The changing of the federal administration changes every 4 years for the most part. We must continue to engage other levels of government with one voice and one plan of action. Where there is a tearing down there is a need to rebuild. We are rebranding Detroit. We will continue to grow and make Detroit Great Again.