View the full session recording below.
At the closing of the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference, members of the Detroit City Council took the stage to reflect on the most pressing issues shaping the city and the policies they aim to advance in the year ahead. Moderated by Lloyd Jackson of WJR NewsTalk 760 AM, the discussion offered insights into what lies ahead for the Motor City in 2026.
Detroit City Council President James E. Tate Jr. opened the discussion on the importance of unity and collaboration within the City Council, especially as Detroit has put the shadow of its bankruptcy era behind it and seeks to bolster its revenue stream and make real strides in improving residents’ lives. He noted that, through oversight and by working cooperatively with the mayor’s office, tangible progress can be made for Detroiters rather than empty assurances.
“There’s absolutely no way that we can have a strong city when we have a weak mayor [and] a strong Council, or a strong mayor and a weak Council,” Tate said. “We have to work collaboratively.”
From District 4, Councilmember Latisha Johnson focused on continued work in equitable development and on improving the quality of life in neighborhoods, stressing the need to move from discussion to tangible results in areas such as housing stability and basic city services. She stressed the importance of ongoing communication with residents to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and reflected in council decisions.
“It is my responsibility to make sure residents’ voices are heard, and that the residents, along with the [Sheffield] administration, can come together to identify solutions that we’ll all feel good about,” Johnson said.
Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero of District 6 highlighted the need to address resource gaps, enforce and implement ordinances, and outline protections for the community, as immigration enforcement has significantly increased and indiscriminately affected immigrants and documented citizens alike.
“Quite frankly, when I’m talking about protections, it’s for everyone,” Santiago-Romero said. “Whether you’re undocumented or not … because Detroiters, Michiganders, [and] Americans right now are very scared.”
Council President Pro Tem Coleman A. Young II spoke from a citywide perspective, identifying public safety and crime reduction as critical for Detroit’s long-term growth. He noted that, with his time on council, past successes and future progress can be chalked up to the experience and passion for the city that each councilmember possesses. This manifests in each member’s differing areas of advocacy and projects.
“To have professionals in [city council] who are about the city’s business, but to be able to both agree and disagree amicably … it’s such a blessing,” Young said.
This session was sponsored by Airbnb.
