Ep. 83 One one One Interview - John Barlow - John Barlow for Mayor, City of Detroit

Summary

Bold Mayoral Vision from Jonathan Barlow
Jonathan Barlow opens up about his deep roots in Detroit, shaped by his experiences growing up in the city, attending Detroit Public Schools and Wayne State University. He emphasizes that he is Detroit, embodying its spirit, grit, and resilience.

Breaking Barriers in Local Politics
Barlow shares his early political activism, including running for city council in 2009 and successfully placing initiatives on the ballot in 2017. These efforts helped dismantle generational barriers and inspired younger leaders.

Systemic Challenges and a Path Forward
He highlights Detroit’s core issues: broken leadership structures beyond City Hall, disengaged youth, and reactive—not proactive—governance. His campaign will focus on investment, jobs, and housing.

Crime and Public Safety with Innovative Solutions
As a survivor of armed robbery and break-ins, Barlow critiques reactive leadership and promotes “safety by design” in neighborhood planning. He supports tech-enhanced policing but insists on thoughtful, community-driven innovation.

Economic Growth That Includes All Detroiters
Barlow challenges the myth that downtown development sidelines communities. Instead, he urges readiness for opportunity and aims to connect communities with tools to participate in Detroit’s economic renewal.

Housing Equity and Foreclosure Awareness
He draws attention to a growing foreclosure crisis that differs from 2008’s. Barlow advocates for housing that serves all income levels—from maintaining homes to offering affordable starter houses.

Public Transit Rooted in Experience
With firsthand experience using Detroit’s buses, Barlow calls for responsive, regionally-connected transit. He points to underfunded, delayed services impacting daily life, particularly for students and low-income residents.

Mental Health Advocacy with Lived Compassion
Barlow discusses the mental health crisis, recalling the personal impact of a close friend’s bipolar diagnosis. He calls for clinical, case-specific mental health solutions and emotional sensitivity training for frontline workers.

Differentiation from Opponents
He asserts that he has the relationships, national and local leadership experience, and real-world results to back his candidacy. Unlike others, he is not beholden to political legacy but committed to serving all Detroiters.

Campaign Kickoff & Call to Action
The “Let’s Win Detroit” campaign officially launched on March 19 at the Detroit People’s Food Co-Op. Barlow invites everyone to engage, emphasizing community connection, grassroots energy, and a path to inclusive progress.