Candidate Profile: Fred Durhal, Detroit Mayor

DETROIT — Fred Durhal is one of nine candidates running for Detroit mayor in August's primary elections.

Here is how he answered his candidate profile:

Name

Fred Durhal

Campaign Website

https://durhalfordetroit.com

Office sought

Mayor

Town/City of Residence

Detroit

Party Affiliation

Democrat

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. Please include years of experience

Member, Detroit City Council, District 7, 2021-present State Representative, Michigan House of Representatives, 5th District, 2015-2019 Community Liaison, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, 2019-2021

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

2015-2019 State Representative, Michigan's 5th House District -Assistant Democratic Leader -Minority Vice-Chair House Appropriations (Ranking Democrat)

2021-Present Detroit City Council, District 7 -Budget, Finance, and Audit Committee, Chair -Planning and Economic Development, Vice Chair

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 Detroit are the cost of living, public safety, and education. I’m committed to making Detroit a city for families again. As mayor, I’ll double down on the PILOT Fast Track program I led on City Council to accelerate affordable housing development, building on the 1,400 units already created and delivering thousands more. I’ll invest in walkable commercial corridors in every neighborhood and reduce property taxes for homeowners and small businesses, while holding speculators and blighted properties accountable.

To improve public safety, I’ll expand Community Violence Intervention programs, put more officers on the streets, and invest in smart technologies like Shot Spotter to keep crime trending down. And to help every child thrive, I’ll create a Detroit Education Commission to unite educators, parents, and city leaders behind strategies like individualized learning plans and early literacy support, so every student has a path to success.

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

What sets me apart from the other candidates is that I’m the only one with the experience, the record, and the comprehensive vision to make Detroit more affordable, safer, and better for families.

I’ve served in both the Michigan Legislature and on Detroit City Council—and I’ve delivered real results in both. I’m the only candidate with a plan to lower property taxes for families and small businesses, while holding speculators and slumlords accountable for the blight they leave behind. I led the creation of the PILOT Fast Track program, which has already helped build 1,400 affordable housing units, and as mayor, I’ll double down to deliver thousands more.

When it comes to public safety, I’m the only candidate who chairs the City’s Gun Violence Task Force. I’ve taken action to address violent crime, not just talk about it. I’ve supported expanding Community Violence Intervention programs and smart technologies like Shot Spotter, which have helped drive violent crime to historic lows. I’ll build on that progress by putting more officers on our streets and launching Detroit’s first Office of Crime Prevention to identify and address the social determinants to crime.

And I’m the only candidate treating education like the urgent citywide issue it is. While the mayor doesn’t control the school system, I believe the city must play a leadership role in improving outcomes for our children. That’s why I’ll create the Detroit Education Commission, bringing together education experts, school leaders, parents, and city officials to break down silos and develop strategies that improve literacy, math, and career readiness for every student. Detroit needs a mayor who not only understands the challenges we face, but has a proven track record of solving problems and a bold plan to move our city forward. That’s what I bring to this race, and that’s what I’ll bring to the Mayor’s Office.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

In addition to making Detroit more affordable, safer, and ensuring every child has access to a quality education, my campaign is defined by a deep commitment to economic empowerment, neighborhood revitalization, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

I’m focused on growing Detroit’s small business economy by expanding access to capital, cutting red tape, and making it easier for entrepreneurs to open and grow their businesses, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. That includes creating a one-stop shop for permitting and licensing, and partnering with mission-driven lenders and CDFIs to provide the financing local businesses need to thrive.

I’m also committed to strengthening the quality of life in every neighborhood. That means developing Commercial Corridors (Main Streets) adjacent to every major neighborhood, providing easy access to groceries, pharmacies, and essential services, and investing in blight removal, street repair, and beautification to ensure every Detroiter can be proud of the neighborhood they live in.

Finally, I’ll set a strong foundation and long-term vision for the City of Detroit. That includes smart use of public-private partnerships, bringing equity to our tax code to put more money in the pockets of homeowners and small businesses, and bringing mass transit to Detroit and our region to attract talent and the high-wage, high-demand industries of the future. This campaign is about building a Detroit where families can stay, businesses can grow, and neighborhoods can thrive, for the long haul.

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

While serving in the minority in the Michigan Legislature, I worked across the aisle with both Republicans and Democrats to ensure Detroit received the resources it needs to serve our residents. I have a strong grasp of sound policy, budgeting, and coalition-building, and I’ve delivered real results: securing over $1 billion for Detroit, eliminating driver responsibility fees, expanding protections for survivors of domestic abuse, and lowering taxes for families paying for childcare.

When it comes to Detroit’s most urgent needs, I bring hands-on experience from the Michigan State Housing and Development Authority, where I worked to expand development, affordable housing, pathways to homeownership, and generational wealth in communities like ours.

Most recently, my service on the Detroit City Council has deepened my understanding of how city government works, and how to lead it effectively on behalf of the people we serve.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I’ve shown up for Detroit, not just in words, but in actions. I was born and raised here, and I’ve spent my career fighting for this city at every level of government. From the State Legislature to City Council, I’ve built a reputation for being accessible, transparent, and focused on delivering real results.

I’m not just talking about change, I’ve delivered it. I’ve passed legislation to bring down violent crime, expand affordable housing, and provide real tax relief to families and small businesses. I led the charge on the PILOT Fast Track program which is slated to build 1,400 affordable housing units every year, helped secure millions for Community Violence Intervention, and as the Chair of the Gun Violence Task Force, enacted smart technologies, such as Shot Spotter, that helped drive crime to historic lows.

What sets me apart is that I listen. I’ve knocked doors, held community meetings, and brought city hall to the neighborhoods. I believe public service is a trust, and I’ve worked every day to earn it. I’m not running to make headlines.

I’m running to make a difference, and I have the record to prove I can.

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

If I’m elected Mayor, success will mean Detroit becomes a city where families can truly thrive again. That means a more affordable Detroit, safer neighborhoods, cleaner streets, vibrant commercial corridors within walking distance, and real opportunities for our children to get a quality education and build a strong future.

I’ll consider my term a success if I deliver real, measurable relief to working families, lowering property taxes, expanding affordable housing, and revitalizing commercial corridors with easy access to fresh groceries, pharmacies, and local businesses right in our neighborhoods.

Success will also mean continuing to drive down violent crime, not just through enforcement, but by addressing its root causes. That includes creating Detroit’s first Office of Violence Prevention, doubling down on Community Violence Intervention programs, and expanding smart technologies like Shot Spotter, which have already helped bring crime to historic lows.

Finally, I’ll consider it a success if we build a strong and collaborative Detroit Education Commission that improves outcomes for students across all schools, public and charter alike.

In short, success means a safer, more affordable, and more united Detroit, where every resident feels seen, heard, and supported. That’s the city I’m fighting for.

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

I believe fiscal responsibility is a matter of public trust. As a former State Legislator and now a City Councilmember who chairs the Budget, Finance & Audit Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how every dollar counts, and how critical it is that we use public funds effectively, transparently, and equitably.

As Mayor, I will ensure that Detroit’s budget reflects our values: investing in neighborhoods, public safety, housing, education, and economic opportunity, while maintaining long-term fiscal stability. I’ll make smart, targeted investments that deliver real results for residents, and I’ll hold city departments accountable for performance and impact.

I also believe in being proactive about Detroit’s future. That means diversifying our revenue streams, modernizing outdated systems, and pursuing comprehensive tax reform that brings relief to families and small businesses, while requiring speculators and blighted property owners to pay their fair share.

Taxpayer dollars must be spent with discipline and with purpose. I’ve done that on the City Council, and I’ll continue that approach every day as your mayor.

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?

Detroit has made real progress in reducing violent crime, but there’s still more work to do to make every neighborhood feel truly safe. As Chair of the City’s Gun Violence Task Force, I’ve been on the front lines of this issue, and I know that fighting crime takes both urgency and a balanced approach.

That’s why I’ve championed investments in Community Violence Intervention programs that work directly with those most at risk, and supported the use of smart technology like Shot Spotter to help law enforcement respond faster and more effectively. These efforts have helped drive violent crime to its lowest levels in recent memory, but we can’t stop there.

As mayor, I’ll expand these efforts by putting more officers on the streets so residents feel safe and launching Detroit’s first Office of Violence Prevention. Public safety is about more than policing, it’s about creating strong, stable communities where everyone feels protected and valued.

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

Detroit has seen significant downtown development and our neighborhoods are stabilizing but we have a long way to go. As mayor, I believe commercial and residential development must be inclusive, and balanced, so that growth doesn’t just benefit a few, but lifts up families across the entire city.

That’s why I’ve led efforts on the City Council to accelerate affordable housing through programs like the PILOT Fast Track, which has already helped build 1,400 units and will lead to thousands more. As mayor, I’ll double down on that success and ensure Detroit accelerates production on more affordable housing.

On the commercial side, I’ll launch the “Commercial Corridor Improvement Authority” to create walkable, vibrant corridors with easy access to grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and retail close to home. I also support amending the Community Benefits Ordinance to provide more certainty and predictability for residents and developers.

Development in Detroit must be a tool for equity, not displacement. I have the experience, the vision, and the political will to make that happen.

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?

When I talk to Detroiters, I hear the same message over and over, people want investment in their neighborhoods, not just downtown. That means walkable communities with affordable housing, vibrant commercial corridors, safe streets, and easy access to everyday essentials like grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and retail.

Residents want to see blighted properties cleaned up, vacant lots turned into parks or housing, and storefronts brought back to life with local businesses. They want development that reflects the character and needs of their community, not unwanted development that pushes them out.

To make this happen, we need to prioritize equitable investment. As mayor, I’ll establish Commercial Corridor Improvement Authorities to bring funding directly to neighborhood main streets. And I’ll continue pushing comprehensive tax reform to bring down costs for families and small businesses while holding speculators and contributors to blight accountable.

Development in Detroit should build up communities, and we will be focused on ensuring no one hinders development for our residents and business.

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

No

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

Detroit is at a pivotal moment in its history and to continue our growth, we need experienced leadership. I have always been dedicated to the city of Detroit and delivered valuable resources to ensure a better quality of life for residents and stakeholders. As Mayor, I will utilize my experience to build an even greater track record of delivering for the city of Detroit and focus on achieving my vision to make Detroit the world-class city it is.