As a 501c3 non-profit, we cannot endorse candidates for elected office. However, we can share what they’ve said about things that matter to us.
Detroit Environmental Agenda
We’re a founding member of the DEA and this is the group’s third voter’s guide. While the entire guide is worth reading, here are their responses to topics most related to our work.
Environmental Issues
- Doubling the DDOT budget
- Doubling the budget for the Office of Sustainability
- Expanding truck routes ordinance citywide
- Continued implementation of the City’s Streets for People Plan
- Continued implementation of the City’s Climate Strategy
Mayoral candidates Jonathan Barlow, Fred Durhall III, Saunteel Jenkins and Mary Sheffield answered yes to all of the above. Joel Haashim did not specify.
There were more varied answers among the council candidates
| Name | District | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Valerie Parker | At-large | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Mary Waters | At-large | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coleman A. Young III | At-large | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Roy McCallister | District 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Angela Whitfield Calloway | District 2 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scott Benson | District 3 | NA | NA | Yes | NA | NA |
| Latisha Johnson | District 4 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Willie Burton | District 5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tatjana Jackson | District 5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Michael Steven Ri’chard | District 5 | Yes | NA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tyrone Carter | District 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gabriella Santiago-Romero | District 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Denzel Anton McCampbell | District 7 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Regina Ross | District 7 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The candidates did provide additional text answers to these five question, which are included in the DEA Vote Guide.
Note that not all of the mayoral and council candidates responded.
Mayoral Candidate Forum
The Detroit Parks Coalition and Bridge Detroit hosted a forum in July. Unfortunately the event ran long and we were unable to ask our question about greenways. Even still, those that participated spoke highly of parks and greenways.
I-375 Questionaire
The ReThink I-375 Community Coalition asked the mayoral candidates questions about the MDOT I-375 project. One question was, “While not all of the new roads developed through this project will be in the City of Detroit’s jurisdiction, what do you think your role as Mayor should be in ensuring safe, vibrant roadways for both motorized and non-motorized use result from this project?”
Candidates Durhall, Jenkins, Perkins, and Sheffield all provided answers, but some added more detail on the non-motorized aspect:
Jenkins: “The non-motorized pavement for walking and biking need to be clearly separated from the heavy traffic of the surface streets. Safety has to be a top priority.”
Perkins: “Ensuring Safety for All Users: Road safety should be a top priority, and I will work to ensure that all new and redesigned roads include features that protect both motorized and non-motorized users. This includes dedicated bike lanes, safe pedestrian crossings, improved signage, and well-lit areas to ensure that everyone can safely navigate the streets, day or night. I will advocate for a “complete streets” approach, ensuring that the infrastructure supports all modes of transportation, whether it’s driving, biking, walking, or using public transit.”
Sheffield: “Designs that prioritize pedestrian and bike safety must also be premiered here, just as we are prioritizing redesigned and safer roadways within our neighborhoods.”