Detroit Mayoral Candidate, Neighborhood Solar Projects, a Detroit Movie Producer
April 30, 2025
The Detroit Mayoral Forum, held on April 26, 2025, at Riverside Marina, was a pivotal event in the city’s political landscape. Co-hosted by the African American Leadership Institute (AALI) and Team Supermajority, the forum brought together seven of the nine certified mayoral candidates to discuss pressing issues affecting Detroit residents.The Detroit News+4Michigan Advance+4detroitonemillion.com+4The Michigan Chronicle
Mary Sheffield – City Council President
Fred Durhal III – City Councilmember
Saunteel Jenkins – Former City Council President and nonprofit CEO
James Craig – Former Detroit Police Chief
Todd Perkins – Attorney
Jonathan Barlow – Entrepreneur
Joel Haashiim – BusinessmanThe Detroit News+9The Michigan Chronicle+9detroitonemillion.com+9detroitonemillion.com+7The Detroit News+7Hoodline+7The Detroit News+5Axios+5The Michigan Chronicle+5Michigan Advance+6Yahoo+6Axios+6
Notably absent were Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. and Danetta Simpson, who have also filed to run in the August 5 primary election. Axios+4Michigan Advance+4The Michigan Chronicle+4
1. Post-ARPA Financial Planning
With the impending expiration of over $800 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds by the end of 2026, candidates emphasized the need for sustainable financial strategies. The Detroit News+8Michigan Advance+8Hoodline+8The Michigan Chronicle+7Hoodline+7The Detroit News+7
2. Affordable Housing and Childcare
Affordable housing emerged as a top priority, with candidates acknowledging the city’s housing challenges. . The Detroit News+7Hoodline+7Michigan Advance+7
3. Public Safety and Governance
Barlow advocated for leveraging his relationships to address potential funding cuts and emphasized the need for comprehensive audits. Yahoo+4The Detroit News+4Michigan Advance+4The Detroit News+8detroitonemillion.com+8The Michigan Chronicle+8
The forum underscored the significance of community involvement in the electoral process. Al Williams, President of AALI, highlighted the historic nature of the election, noting the potential for Detroit to elect another African American mayor. Tashawna Gill, Michigan Director for Supermajority, emphasized the pivotal role of Black women in the electoral process, stating, “African American women are the ones who do the work… We are the 92%.” Southern Arizona Foundation+3Axios+3LinkedIn+3CBS News+1detroitonemillion.com+1
Primary Election: August 5, 2025
General Election: November 4, 2025CBS News+1Michigan Advance+1