Photo: Ryan Garza ~ USA TODAY Network
DETROIT, March 25, 2025 ~ Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan delivered his 12th and final State of the City Address Tuesday, reflecting on his tenure while outlining the city’s progress from financial crisis to what he called, “one of the greatest American success stories.”
When Mayor Mike Duggan took office in January 2014, Detroit was in the midst of the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. It had an $18 billion debt, widespread blight, 47,000 abandoned houses, and half of its streetlights out. Public services were severely lacking, with closed recreation centers and neglected parks. The unemployment rate was near 20%, and Detroit had the highest rates of violence and blight in the country.
PODCAST:
March 26, 2025 ~ Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan delivered his final State of the City Address Tuesday live from the Bedrock‘s Hudson’s development in Downtown Detroit. Listen as Duggan speaks with Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie to recap both his speech and tenure as mayor, while also offering a look forward at the work and progress that’s still to come.
(CONTINUED) “When we got in here, we got out of bankruptcy less than a year after my election,” Duggan said. “Bankruptcy got rid of our debt, but it didn’t solve our problems. We still had the country’s highest unemployment, violence, and blight.”
Duggan highlighted his focus on Detroit’s manufacturing roots and efforts to attract new businesses. He talked about his outreach to major automotive leaders, asking them to consider Detroit for their new supplier plants. This led to the establishment of Flex-N-Gate, the first new auto plant in 20 years, followed by investments from Lear, Dakota, and Jeep, which collectively hired thousands of Detroiters.
In addressing violence, Duggan spotlighted the raise of officers’ pay and the addition of 350 more officers to the streets. He talked about the investment of $10 million into community violence intervention programs and collaborations with local and federal agencies to clear the COVID backlog of gun cases. “Last year, we had the fewest homicides since 1965,” Duggan noted.
VIDEO:
March 25, 2025 ~ Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan delivers his 12th and final State of the City Address live from inside Bedrock‘s new mixed-use development on the site of the former Hudson’s department store.
(CONTINUED) Duggan also spotlighted his administration’s demolishment of 29,000 abandoned houses and the rehabilitation of many others. “We are removing the blight of abandoned houses,” Duggan stated, adding that the number of vacant houses owned by the land bank has been reduced from 47,000 to 2,900, with a goal of reaching 1,000 by the end of the year.
The Mayor went on to highlight key business leaders and their contributions to Detroit’s resurgence. Among them, Dan Gilbert, founder of Quicken Loans, and his investment in numerous projects, including the renovation of the Hudson’s site and the creation of the Gilbert Family Foundation. The Mayor also talked about General Motors and Mary Barra, who committed to maintaining their headquarters in Detroit and an expansion of their manufacturing footprint. Bill Ford of Ford Motor Company were also highlighted, with a spotlight on the abandoned train station which was transformed into an innovation center. The Ilitch family and the Torgow family were also noted for their significant investments in the city.
Several ongoing and future projects that promise to continue Detroit’s resurgence were also of focus. These include the new University of Michigan Center for Innovation, the $2 billion Henry Ford Hospital complex, Benny Johnson‘s new auto parts plant at the State Fairgrounds, and the Roxbury Group‘s renovation of the 15-story Lee Plaza. Additionally, Detroit’s new J.W. Marriott Convention Hotel which is set to open soon and bringing new conventions to the city.
Duggan spoke on the challenges facing the Detroit Renaissance Center, which is currently 80% empty due to the impact of COVID-19. He highlighted General Motors’ commitment to maintaining a Detroit headquarters but acknowledged their need to leave the facility for less space. He then highlighted plans put forth by Dan Gilbert to transform the facility as part of a destination riverfront space, noting the need for brownfield legislation to complete the project.
As Mayor Duggan enters the final months of his term, he appears dedicated to Detroit’s resurgence. His presentation not only highlighted past achievements but also hinted at his vision for Michigan’s future. Mayor Duggan has declared his candidacy to become Michigan’s next governor, aiming to replace Governor Gretchen Whitmer as an independent in 2026.
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