Northwest Wayne News

Mayor Mike Duggan presented his Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget and Fiscal Years 2025-2028 Four-Year Financial Plan to the Detroit City Council, emphasizing the city's commitment to its residents, employees, and retirees. The Mayor highlighted the budget's focus on creating a more vibrant, safe, and sustainable city for Detroiters, with increased funding for essential services and investments in key areas.

The budget includes significant allocations for various priorities, as Mayor Duggan stated, "The proposed budget supports our highest priorities including additional funding for City retirees, police, fire, and DDOT services, and preventing homelessness, all of which help make Detroit a more vibrant, safe, and sustainable city." The budget also reflects the City's efforts to honor its commitments to retirees by increasing retirement funding and enhancing active employee benefits.

Mayor Duggan underscored the importance of financial stability and responsible budgeting, stating, "We have built up financial reserves, ensuring that neither our retirees nor our budget will be at risk." The proposed budget balances the need for continued service enhancements and competitive wages while maintaining fiscal discipline.

City Council President, Rising, commended the collaborative efforts that led to the consecutive balanced budget, acknowledging the commitment and discipline of both the City Council and the Mayor. Rising emphasized that the economic foundation built over the years has been crucial in weathering challenges and ensuring financial stability for the City's growth.

The budget proposal includes targeted new investments, reallocating savings from various City departments to support initiatives such as competitive employee benefits, homelessness services, and workforce investments. Additionally, one-time investments are earmarked for capital improvements, blight removal, public safety, and community development projects.

Mayor Duggan expressed gratitude for the City's financial strength, attributing it to income tax growth and successful development projects. He acknowledged the City Council's role in approving these projects and highlighted the collective effort that has contributed to Detroit's current fiscal health.

City residents can engage with the budget process through public Budget hearings for departments, scheduled to begin on March 11, which are open to the public. The Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 reflects the City's ongoing commitment to transparency and community engagement in shaping Detroit's future.