Patch Candidate Profile: Abdullah Hammoud For Dearborn Mayor

DEARBORN, MI — Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud is running for re-election in next month's November election.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name

Abdullah Hammoud

Campaign Website

votehammoud.com

Office sought

Dearborn Mayor

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

No

Occupation

Mayor of Dearborn, 3.8 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

• Currently the Mayor of Dearborn
• Previously held the role of Michigan State Representative

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

The most pressing issues facing our city are public safety, flood prevention, and fiscal stability. My priority moving forward is to continue expanding community policing and investing in technology and training to keep our neighborhoods safe. I will build on our stormwater projects by expanding green infrastructure, strengthening flood prevention systems, and restoring our waterways to protect families from costly damage. To ensure fiscal stability, I will maintain disciplined budgeting while aggressively pursuing state and federal grants to fund improvements without raising taxes. My commitment is to keep Dearborn safer, more resilient, and financially secure for generations to come.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I’ve delivered results residents can see and feel. Under my leadership, Dearborn is safer, more beautiful, and financially stable. We’ve brought in more than $100 million in outside grants to invest in parks, public safety, infrastructure, and small businesses - without raising taxes. My record shows not only bold ideas but also the proven ability to execute them.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

My campaign is defined by a commitment to modernizing city services so the government is more efficient and resident-friendly, expanding parks and recreation opportunities like we did with free pool access for kids under 13, and investing in neighborhood revitalization alongside small business growth. I am also focused on prioritizing environmental sustainability through tree planting, green stormwater infrastructure, and Rouge River restoration, while strengthening senior programs and ensuring accessible housing options for all residents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have a strong record of results that show I can lead and deliver for our residents. Under my leadership, Dearborn has balanced three consecutive budgets while maintaining the lowest tax rate in 15 years. We fully staffed our Police Department for the first time in over two decades, contributing to a significant decrease in crime and making Dearborn one of the safest big cities in Michigan. I’ve secured more than $100 million in grants for our city without raising taxes, invested over $25 million in flood prevention projects, and launched the $24 million Warren Avenue façade improvement program to support small businesses and revitalize one of our busiest corridors. We’ve also invested more than $30 million in parks and recreation - modernizing playgrounds, rebuilding courts, and providing free pool access for kids under 13.

Why should voters trust you?

Four years ago we presented an agenda to residents and earned their votes. Today, we have delivered on many of those campaign promises. The tax rate is at a 15 year low. We are at record staffing levels for our police and fire departments. Car accidents and major crime categories are down significantly. And people can feel that our downtowns are thriving, and our parks are welcoming to all families in our city. Every dollar we spend is with the goal of protecting families, supporting neighborhoods, and saving residents money. My leadership is grounded in transparency, accountability, and results.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Success means leaving Dearborn stronger for the next generation. That includes continued investment in public safety, flood prevention, and community spaces, as well as ensuring the city remains financially secure and equitable for all residents.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I believe in strong fiscal discipline paired with strategic investment. We structurally balanced three consecutive budgets while securing outside funding to avoid new tax burdens - this had not been done in decades. By streamlining operations and modernizing city services, we have delivered more value for every tax dollar.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

Public safety is my top priority. Dearborn is now the second safest big city in Michigan, with crime trending down. We fully staffed the Police Department for the first time in nearly 20 years, expanded community policing, and invested in technology and training to keep both residents and officers safe. Violent crime is down double digits and we are on pace with that trend again for this year. With investments in staffing and technology, we are able to police smarter to keep our neighborhoods safe.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

We’ve prioritized balanced responsible development that supports both economic growth and neighborhood quality of life. That means revitalizing business corridors like Warren Avenue and ensuring new development aligns with community needs and infrastructure capacity. We are also the fastest growing city in Michigan based on the 2020 census, so that means working with responsible developers to provide the housing our city needs and help address both demand and cost.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

Residents want walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, updated infrastructure, vibrant business districts, and more recreational spaces. To achieve this, we’ll continue leveraging grants, streamlining permitting, and ensuring resident voices shape planning decisions. In our current master plan process, we have invited resident participation through surveys and forums, ensuring residents drive the conversation on the future of our city.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No, I am committed to the city we all call home.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I was born and raised in Dearborn, and this is where my wife and I are raising our family. I’ve fought for our residents in Lansing as a state legislator, and now as mayor I’ve delivered results you can see - from safer streets and modernized services to investments in parks, businesses, and flood prevention. My vision is simple: a Dearborn that is safe, resilient, welcoming, and full of opportunity for every resident in every neighborhood.