Jenkins Drops Gloves, Craig Times Out: Four Takeaways From Detroit Mayoral Debate
June 17, 2025
Who is affected
Detroit residents, particularly those in inner-city neighborhoods
Low-income Detroiters earning below the median income of $40,000 annually
Senior citizens who could benefit from home repair grants
Detroit voters who will select the city's 76th mayor
The candidates who did not qualify for the debate (Councilman Fred Durhal III, businessmen Jonathan Barlow and Joel Haashiim, and candidate Danetta Simpson)
What action is being taken
WDIV-Local 4 and AARP of Michigan are hosting mayoral debates
Candidates are discussing plans for affordable housing, policing and economic development
The city is currently working on $1 billion in creating and preserving affordable housing and providing $40 million in home repair grants for seniors
Sheffield is focusing on addressing high construction costs and property taxes
Jenkins is proposing a new penny tax to generate over $100 million to reduce property taxes
Why it matters
The debate highlights differing approaches to critical issues facing Detroit, including affordable housing accessibility, crime reduction strategies, and tax reform
Current affordable housing initiatives are being questioned for not truly serving residents with median incomes below $40,000
The city has approved more than $63 million in police department settlements in the last three years, raising questions about policing strategies
The election will determine who leads Detroit's ongoing development and addresses challenges in inner-city neighborhoods
Property tax reform could impact both residents and businesses in Detroit
What's next
The primary election on August 5 will narrow the field to two candidates
The general election on November 6 will elect Detroit's 76th mayor
