Detroit Mayor unveils a 2026-27 budget of about $3 billion across all city funds, with a focus on safer neighborhoods, youth investment, poverty reduction, and support for vulnerable residents.

For the 2027 fiscal year, the general fund totals $1.5 billion, with a broader $3 billion+ across all funds, reflecting a $34.6 million year-over-year decrease tied to tighter revenues.

Core priorities include poverty and homelessness relief, transit funding, and a living wage for city workers, signaling a shift toward social supports while preserving fiscal discipline.

Unions back the wage increase as necessary to help workers juggling multiple jobs and higher living costs.

Strategies to boost housing include expanding affordable units, permanent supportive and recovery housing, transitional housing beyond shelters, infill development for homeowners, and exploring land grants to cut construction costs.

DDOT funding rises by roughly $30 million, with $24 million for wage increases and incentives, $6 million for operations, and a starting driver wage of $25/hour; a year-round free rides plan for DPSCD and charter students is proposed.

Transit expansion is central, with a 15.8% increase to DDOT to $220 million, including wage hikes and operating boosts, plus a potential free bus program for K-12 students and a pilot ride-share for chronic absences.

Investments target infrastructure and services such as streetlights, sidewalks, and extended late-night recreation center hours.

The administration stresses broader resident engagement in tax reform, with abatements possibly used temporarily to normalize the property tax rate without returning to pre-bankruptcy levels.

Leaders emphasize transforming systems rather than individuals, citing expanded public transit for work shifts and child-centered community hubs to support families.

Programs expanded include midnight basketball, Grow Detroit’s Young Talent funding rising to $2.5 million, tree removal, and $8 million for sidewalk repairs to clear backlogs within a year.

Targeted initiatives like Rides to Care and tax-credit outreach aim to funnel benefits efficiently to residents.