Detroit’s Mayor Mike Duggan has announced that the upcoming year will mark his final term in office. The decision comes amidst increasing speculation that he may be considering a run for governor, as current Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited. Duggan refrained from elaborating on his future political aspirations, stating he would discuss them later and emphasizing that his focus this week remains on the city and its residents.
Duggan’s tenure began nearly 11 years ago, during a challenging period for Detroit characterized by severe blight, escalating crime rates, and state oversight of the city’s finances. When he assumed office, many streetlights were malfunctioning, creating safety concerns throughout the city. Over the years, under Duggan’s leadership, the city has seen balanced budgets and surpluses, a decrease in violent crime, and cleaner neighborhoods.
Reflecting on his time as mayor, Duggan shared his sentiments about the progress the city has made. “I feel like I did what I set out to do,” he explained. He expressed deep affection for the city, saying, “People in this city have just been enormously kind and supportive. That’s the part that I’m going to miss.”
Before his tenure as mayor, Duggan served for eight years as the chief executive of the Detroit Medical Center, after holding positions as Wayne County prosecutor and deputy county executive. Historically, some viewed his race as an obstacle when he was elected mayor, making him the first white candidate to run in earnest for the office since 1973. At the time, Detroit’s population was predominantly Black, and Duggan made it a priority to engage with citizens through numerous community gatherings.
Duggan emphasized the importance of open dialogue to bridge racial divides, stating, “The only way to overcome it was to sit and talk and get to know each other.” These interactions fostered strong community relationships, helping his administration build trust and support within Detroit.
His election victory in November 2013 brought a new set of challenges as he embarked on the daunting task of revitalizing a city that had declared the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history earlier that year, burdened with over $18 billion in debt. Faced with massive urban decay, high unemployment, and soaring crime rates, Duggan set to work immediately upon taking office in January 2014. By December of that year, significant progress had been made, including the restructuring of the city’s debt.
He attributed much of his administration’s success to the fresh start provided by the bankruptcy. Steps taken included restoring streetlights, rebuilding the police department, and maintaining city parks. Duggan reported that when he took office, there were 47,000 abandoned homes in Detroit, and that number has since decreased to approximately 3,000, with a vision to eliminate that problem completely over the next year.
According to the latest census data, Detroit’s population increased for the first time in decades, reflecting a growing community of 633,218 residents—up from 631,366 the previous year. Duggan proclaimed that his goal was to see the city’s population rise, noting, “You got more people moving in than moving out for the first time since 1957,” adding that property values have also surged in various neighborhoods around the city.
Duggan noted the importance of homeownership as a primary source of wealth for many residents, observing the dedication of individuals working on their properties, signaling renewed confidence in their neighborhoods. He recalled the bustling atmosphere during the recent NFL draft, which showcased Detroit and drew over 775,000 attendees, setting a new record and allowing residents to proudly exhibit their city to visitors.
In the evaluation of his accomplishments, Duggan was praised by Mayor Andrew J. Ginther of Columbus, Ohio, who described him as “one of the great mayors of America.” Ginther recognized Duggan’s impressive track record, noting the transformation that has occurred in Detroit during his time as mayor.