Interview with Jonathan Barlow on the Detroit Mayoral Campaign
April 15, 2025
Time Interval: 0:00 – 45:16
🏙️ Lifelong Detroit Roots Fuel Barlow’s Vision
John Barlow discusses growing up across all corners of Detroit, enriched by gospel traditions, sports, public school education, and summers in Montgomery, Alabama. These experiences shaped his deep commitment to holistic community advocacy.
đź’Ľ Entrepreneurship, Mentorship, and Cultural Empowerment
Barlow recalls managing musical talent and bringing Detroit artists to national platforms as early as age 20. His consistent goal has been removing barriers and opening doors in both the entertainment industry and civic spaces.
🗳️ From City Council to Mayoral Candidate
Barlow first ran for city council in 2009—one of 160 candidates—demonstrating his early and persistent commitment to public service. He blends political experience with business savvy and grassroots organizing, notably through MOSES and United Way.
🧠Reach Every Family: A Multi-Layered Policy Platform
His mayoral campaign centers on the Reach Every Family agenda, prioritizing affordable housing, employment, and community innovation hubs. These hubs will provide mental health services, entrepreneurship support, and one-stop business centers.
🧠Citizen Dashboard for a Smarter, Fairer Detroit
The Citizen Dashboard is Barlow’s key tech solution. It will centralize public services, track eligibility for support programs, and provide blockchain-based transparency. The goal is to reduce bureaucracy and reach 100% of families with targeted support.
🏗️ Breaking Down Red Tape for Business Growth
He proposes cutting the steps to open a business in Detroit from 70 to under 15, by introducing one-stop centers, clearer guidance, and personalized assistance—especially for underserved entrepreneurs lacking policy fluency.
🧱 Public Trust, Transparency, and Local Ownership
Barlow critiques the opacity of major philanthropic investments, like Dan Gilbert’s $500M housing pledge, questioning whether funds actually reach Detroiters. He advocates for blockchain to monitor transactions and ensure accountability.
🎥 Proposal for a Detroit Film Office
Barlow plans to launch a Detroit Film Office, inspired by Atlanta’s media ecosystem. He argues that the city must retain talent and foster cultural circuits by building infrastructure, not just hosting film shoots.
🎤 Hip-Hop Culture as Political Force—With Caution
While acknowledging the influence of Detroit rappers like Peezy and Icewear Vezzo, Barlow calls for intentional advocacy. He differentiates between impactful agendas and superficial camera moments, urging artists to lead policy conversations.
🧾 70 bureaucratic steps needed to open a business—Barlow aims to simplify this to under 15.
🧑🏽‍💼 160 candidates ran in Detroit’s 2009 city council election—Barlow was among them at age 24.
💸 $500 million pledged by private investors like Dan Gilbert—Barlow questions the operational reality of such promises.
📊 40 million dollars reportedly lost from Detroit Riverfront Conservancy—Barlow cites it as a reason to implement blockchain oversight.