After more than a decade of leadership, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s last term as mayor is coming to a close later this year. Duggan has announced he will not seek re-election and instead plans to run for governor as an independent in 2026.

One Detroit contributor Stephen Henderson, host of “American Black Journal” and executive advisor for BridgeDetroit, sat down with Duggan to look back at his tenure and the city’s progress and challenges during his time at the helm.  

Duggan lauded his administration’s efforts to reduce the city’s homicide rate, increase property values in neighborhoods across the city, create new job opportunities, expand the city’s bus system, and construct the Joe Louis Greenway.  

The mayor found success working with President Donald Trump during his first administration. He shared his suggestions for the next Detroit mayor, who will again need to collaborate with President Trump and his new administration. 

During the interview, Duggan acknowledged while his administration has achieved some success, there are still challenges for entrepreneurs striving to start new businesses in the city and said there needs to be greater knowledge of the Detroit Promise program, which offers free college to Detroit students.  

Plus, in an extended version of the interview, Duggan discussed Detroit’s social safety net and its connection to the recent deaths of two homeless children who passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping in a vehicle at Greektown’s Hollywood Casino parking garage. He also talked about the city’s response to a recent water main burst in Southwest Detroit, which flooded more than a hundred homes. 

When asked what surprised him most during his time as mayor, Duggan said, “Eleven years of unbelievable support from the citizens of this city. You can’t underestimate the power of hope.” 

Watch the extended interview: