I’m not a betting man and I’ve never played the numbers. But if I did, my number would be 22.
The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) was founded in 1922, and we now prepare to support the City’s 22nd mayoral administration.
Over the past ten decades, the DDP has evolved alongside Detroit. What began as the Business Property Owners has changed in name, leadership, and mission. Yet one thing has remained constant: our strong, collaborative relationship with City Hall always ready to respond when called upon and to provide the support needed.
DDP proudly support each administration in service of Downtown its businesses, residents, employees, and visitors. This requires consistent communication and partnership with City leadership at all levels. Supporting the public sector is critical to our mission of cultivating social and economic impact in Detroit.
In just under five weeks, Detroiters will elect a new mayor to lead a city that is experiencing incredible momentum while facing significant challenges.
This individual will oversee a $1.4 billion budget and be responsible for roughly 30,000 employees. The importance of this vote cannot be overstated.
“Maintaining the Momentum:” Our White Paper
In preparation for the election, the DDP engaged stakeholders to build consensus on the key priorities needed to continue Detroit’s progress over the next four years. Through conversations with DDP Board Members and community leaders, we identified the most critical issues and opportunities.
These insights are captured in a white paper we are releasing today: Maintaining the Momentum.
The report is organized into four sections:
- Priorities for the City
- Keys to Success
- What Makes a Great Mayor
- The Role of the DDP
Here’s a quick overview your “CliffsNotes” version while encouraging everyone with a stake in Detroit’s future to read the full paper.
Priorities for the City
Detroit has celebrated major wins: increased population, reduced crime, and record investments. Yet the challenges remain significant. How do we, emphasis on we, tackle housing, education, poverty, homelessness, and other pressing issues?
Clear priorities, supported by key constituencies, are critical.
Maintaining the Momentum highlights seven areas where we must move the needle:
- Driving a “One Detroit” vision
- Sustaining progress in public safety
- Continuing critical quality-of-life investments
- Increasing economic prosperity
- Making City government more efficient
- Completing key high-impact initiatives
- Planning for long-term structural challenges
Keys to Success
Building on Detroit’s progress under Mayor Mike Duggan, our stakeholders identified strategies that will help the next administration maintain this momentum:
- Proactively invest in a strong and diverse coalition of relationships
- Build a strong team
- Strengthen ties with residents
- Understand the governmental apparatus
- Reinforce the spirit of collaboration
What Makes a Great Mayor
The mayor’s role demands exceptional skill and relentless commitment. It is a 24/7/365 job both rewarding and, at times, thankless.
As voters consider their choice, we believe the next mayor should embody these qualities:
- Relationship builder
- Problem solver
- Two-way communicator
- Builder of trust and confidence
The Role of the DDP
As steward of Downtown Detroit and convener of diverse stakeholders, the DDP has served the city for over a century. Our Board of Directors and team stand ready to:
- Approach new relationships with trust: Maintain open communication with the new administration and City Council, share our initiatives, and avoid comparisons to previous leaders.
- Assist with talent: Help identify and recruit qualified local and national talent and lend our own staff when needed.
- Support the transition: Provide on-demand assistance and facilitate dialogue among community, business, and philanthropic leaders.
- Provide resources and expertise: Offer historical context, current data, and subject-matter expertise across critical disciplines.
For more than 100 years, the Downtown Detroit Partnership has helped shape the city’s development and investment. We stand ready to support the next mayor and City Council in driving Detroit’s future.
In fact—you can bet on it.
