Detroit’s Revival: Mayor Mike Duggan’s Legacy

Introduction

Under the leadership of Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit has transformed significantly from the bleak landscape it once was. Announcing his campaign for the Michigan governor’s office from the Renaissance Center, Duggan stands in a city that has shed a notorious past. What once echoed with vacant houses, shuttered businesses, and crime now buzzes with renewed energy and purpose.

A Changing Urban Landscape

Since Duggan took office in January 2014, Detroit has undergone a notable renaissance. "It’s not the same city that Duggan inherited," many residents assert, reflecting on the dramatic improvement in living conditions. The city is witnessing revitalized neighborhoods, with reduced blight, functioning streetlights, and renovated parks. Local plumber Thomas Millender eloquently captures the sentiment: “Duggan did a good job from what the city was to how it has been revamped.”

With private crews bustling within once-desolate homes, hope replaces despair. Duggan emphasizes the gradual transformation, stating, “There is not any neighborhood in this city that hasn’t had blight reduced… We have it going in the right direction." However, he acknowledges that progress takes time and that subsequent mayors will need to build on the achievements of their predecessors.

From Bankruptcy to Balanced Budgets

Duggan’s journey began amidst Detroit’s financial turmoil. When he ran for mayor in 2013, the city was $18 billion in debt and was operating under an emergency manager who had to file for bankruptcy. Duggan’s leadership saw the city emerge from bankruptcy in December 2014, clearing $7 billion in long-term liabilities. This drastic relief has allowed Detroit to enjoy over a decade of consecutive balanced budgets and a steady decline in violent crime.

The revival isn’t just about numbers; it’s about lifting community spirits. Duggan’s administration has demolished more than 24,000 vacant properties, marking a dramatic reduction in blight. Urban Studies Professor Jeff Horner acknowledges that while significant improvements have been made, challenges remain, especially in addressing areas still stricken by poverty.

Population Growth and Community Roots

One of Duggan’s focal points has been reversing the city’s population decline. During the dire years, Detroit’s population plummeted from 1.8 million in the 1950s to below 700,000 by 2010. The latest estimates indicate a modest rise, with recent data showing the population at 645,705 in 2024. “Judge me by one thing,” Duggan had promised in his campaign: “whether Detroit can gain population.” With his track record, many believe he has fulfilled that promise.

Residents like Jay Williams note that while blight has decreased, there’s a desire for alternative solutions beyond merely demolishing homes. The potential for new developments fills the air, signifying hope for future growth.

Focused Development: The Need for Balance

While downtown Detroit has enjoyed substantial investment, voices like those of pastor Rev. Solomon Kinloch stress the importance of equitable development across all neighborhoods. Kinloch, during his recent mayoral campaign, argued for investment to reach every corner of Detroit. His sentiment resonates with many who feel that community growth should not just occur in the heart of the city but should extend to all underrepresented areas.

Incoming City Council President Mary Sheffield echoed this desire, expressing her commitment to ensuring that progress envelops “every block and every family.” This holistic approach to city management is vital for truly revitalizing Detroit.

Conclusion

As Duggan concludes his tenure, his legacy remains a blend of efforts toward restoring a city once characterized by decay. Leaders and citizens alike recognize that while substantial progress has been made, the journey for Detroit is ongoing. The new administration will face the critical challenge of sustaining and expanding upon the foundations laid during Duggan’s leadership, striving to create a future where every citizen feels the benefits of revitalization.

Duggan himself notes, “It’s going to take decades to bring the city all the way back,” illustrating a commitment to a long-term vision of recovery, resilience, and renewal for Detroit.