Photo: Junfu Han ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
DETROIT, July 25, 2025 ~ Detroit City Council Member Fred Durhal III is making a strong push in the final stretch before the August 5 mayoral primary, backed by a key endorsement from the Detroit Regional Chamber. In a recent interview on 760 WJR’s “‘JR Morning,” Durhal outlined a campaign centered on economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and public safety, positioning himself as a candidate who can sustain Detroit’s momentum while expanding its benefits citywide.
Durhal, a former state legislator, said he was “very honored” to receive the Chamber’s endorsement, calling it a vote of confidence from Detroit’s business community. “It means a lot,” he said. “For them to place their faith in us and this campaign and say that we have the greatest vision to move the city forward means a lot.” He emphasized his consistent support for major development projects, including the Hudson’s site and District Detroit, as part of a broader strategy to generate revenue and reinvest in neighborhoods.
PODCAST:
July 25, 2025 ~ Detroit mayoral candidate Fred Durhal III joins “‘JR Morning” to share his vision for inclusive growth, safer neighborhoods, and affordable housing. Hear how he plans to cut red tape, lower property taxes, and expand development beyond downtown — plus his bold tax proposal aimed at fighting blight.
(CONTINUED) Durhal’s platform includes expanding walkable communities, improving commercial corridors, and lowering property taxes for homeowners. He proposes a blight tax targeting speculators who leave properties vacant or underutilized. “We’re going to charge them more so residents pay less,” he said, adding that non-owner occupied structures contributing to blight could face taxes up to 25 times their current rate. He also highlighted his sponsorship of the PILOT Fast Track ordinance, which he says will create over 1,400 affordable housing units annually.
On public safety, Durhal said he would take a “holistic approach,” combining increased police presence with community-based violence prevention. “Safety is not just statistics,” he said. “If you don’t feel safe, then you’re not safe.” He pledged to establish an Office of Violence Prevention to address root causes of crime, including poverty, mental health, and conflict resolution.
While Durhal’s development-forward agenda has drawn praise from business leaders, some critics have raised concerns about its equity and feasibility. Opponents of his property tax relief plan argue that shifting the burden to speculators may not generate sufficient revenue to offset cuts for homeowners. Others question whether the proposed blight tax could face legal or enforcement challenges. Additionally, housing advocates have called for more aggressive measures to address homelessness and displacement, warning that new development must be paired with stronger tenant protections and deeper affordability requirements.
With the August 5 primary looming, Durhal aims to demonstrate that his experience and growth-focused agenda can carry Detroit into its next chapter.
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Want to learn more about Fred Durhal III and the eight others who are vying for the keys to City Hall? Check out our special WJR.com feature, “The Detroit Nine,” your inside track to the candidates, their plans, and what’s really at stake this election.
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