Photo: Barlow for Mayor
MEET THE CANDIDATE:
Jonathan Barlow, a lifelong Detroiter and CEO of The WKND Company, is running for mayor in 2025 with a platform rooted in innovation, equity, and economic empowerment.
A graduate of Renaissance High School and attendee of Wayne State University, Barlow has spent over two decades working in community development, supporting homeowners during the foreclosure crisis, launching job-creating businesses, and mentoring youth as a coach and former youth pastor. His organization, The WKND Company, provides vital resources to families, small businesses, and young people across Detroit, reflecting his commitment to grassroots empowerment.
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(CONTINUED) Barlow’s civic engagement is deeply influenced by a family legacy of activism: his grandfather founded M.O.S.E.S. (Metropolitan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength), a faith-based coalition advocating for equity in housing, transportation, and education, while his grandmother participated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, connecting him to the broader civil rights movement.
He has also worked with organizations like Arise Detroit (which mobilizes neighborhood-based volunteerism), Invest Detroit (a nonprofit that funds inclusive economic development), and Black Tech Saturdays (which promotes tech access and entrepreneurship in black communities), highlighting his ability to bridge legacy activism with forward-looking innovation.
WHAT JOHN BARLOW STANDS FOR:
John Barlow is running for mayor with a forward-looking platform focused on innovation, equity, and economic empowerment for all Detroiters.
Business Growth and Local Hiring: Barlow proposes a $500 million Detroit Business Growth Fund to support companies that invest in the city and prioritize hiring and training Detroit residents.
Affordable Housing and Job Creation: His platform includes expanding access to affordable housing and creating good-paying jobs, with a focus on building a more inclusive and resilient local economy.
Technology and City Services: He aims to modernize city operations through technology, using AI-powered platforms to connect residents with career opportunities and improve access to public services.
Youth and Digital Equity: Barlow supports youth employment programs and digital access initiatives to ensure young people are equipped for success in a tech-driven economy.
Entrepreneurship and Red Tape Reduction: He plans to launch a One-Stop Business Center to streamline permitting and licensing, making it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in Detroit.
Inclusive Leadership: Barlow is committed to a leadership approach that values listening, collaboration, and follow-through, aiming to build a city government that truly serves all Detroiters.
760 WJR TOP DETROIT MAYORAL RACE STORIES:
