Fred Durhal III: As mayor, I’ll make sure that my office performs the following duties related to the I-375 work:

• Meet immediately with all parties involved in the project for updates, including with stakeholders and leaders at the state, federal and local levels.

• Communicate project updates where necessary with City of Detroit partners, community leaders and stakeholders, and businesses.

• Regularly communicate with transportation agencies, organizations and stakeholders to minimize disruption to travel, business and commerce.

• Work with our planning department, DEGC, and community partners and stakeholders to execute a strategic plan and what the community would like to see developed.

Saunteel Jenkins: I have been following this closely from the beginning since I live just off I-375 in Hyde Park. This is an MDOT project, but it is important that Detroit’s Mayor (and the District 5 council member) speak up to make sure the 30 acres of land that will be created is used appropriately. According to the current plan, two members of a five-person committee will be appointed by the Mayor to determine land use. The Mayor’s appointees should be representative of the Black Bottom and Paradise Valley residents and small business owners that the land was taken from in the 1960s. I’d also advocate for increasing the size of the committee so more voices can be heard.

MDOT announced from the beginning that this was a project of “restorative justice” and “connecting communities.” I don’t see that at all. We need to get the City and area residents more involved.

Todd Perkins: As Mayor, my role in the I-375 Reconnecting Communities project will be to ensure that the needs of Detroit’s residents are prioritized, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. While the project’s design and land use decisions may be nearing completion by January 2026, there will still be substantial oversight and adjustments needed, especially as it relates to equity, small business support, and historical accountability.

As an attorney, I will utilize my legal expertise to review, address, and, where necessary, challenge any existing contracts or land ownership agreements that do not fully align with the community’s best interests. If the project has already been passed by the current city council, I will advocate for revisions to ensure that the terms benefit local residents, small businesses, and the descendants of Black Bottom, rather than favoring outside developers or gentrification efforts. This includes:

Legal Oversight of Contracts and Land Use Agreements: I will work to ensure that all contracts associated with the I-375 project are equitable and legally sound. If there are terms that could harm the community or fail to support Black-owned businesses and residents, I will use my legal background to challenge those agreements and advocate for renegotiations that protect Detroiters’ rights and opportunities.

Championing Community Engagement and Transparency: I will remain a strong advocate for community engagement throughout the final stages of design and construction. Ensuring that residents have a say in the final project decisions will be critical. I will lead efforts to open legal avenues for residents and business owners to voice concerns or challenge decisions that may harm their communities.

Fostering Collaboration with MDOT and Stakeholders: While MDOT and AECOM are working on the technical aspects of the project, my administration will collaborate closely with the ReThink I-375 Coalition to guarantee that the project remains true to its promise of reconnecting communities and supporting long-term, sustainable development. I will advocate for the full inclusion of historical and cultural preservation, especially for the Black Bottom community, in the final planning and construction phases.

By utilizing my legal expertise and ensuring that the project is rooted in justice, equity, and community empowerment, I will guide the I-375 project to fulfill its potential as a transformative and inclusive development.

Mary Sheffield: One, my role will be to ensure that proper representation is at the MDOT table. The City of Detroit has for years refined tools to gauge Detroiters' needs. We have various levers that have proven to be effective to gather feedback, needs, and concerns from residents. The Health Department has created an extremely effective Community Health Assessment model that convenes residents and stakeholders to create a full picture of social determinant needs across the city. The Planning Department calls together targeted communities to design neighborhoods and redesign corridors. I am sure that MDOT does want to collect meaningful feedback. To do so, there are methods, best practices and specific stakeholder voices that are unique to this City that should be employed, and I will make sure that these are utilized. My role also includes ensuring that a high-level official from my administration is a constant participant in the planning process. My role will be to ensure that the City of Detroit brings a holistic and thorough report to the table that specifies what was lost with Black Bottom and Paradise Valley, what may be lost with I375's destruction, and how best to compensate individuals, whether those are descendants or current residents, that have been or will be impacted. Understanding the scope of the loss should be the first step in designing a project. I believe that this step, which should have deep historical roots, has been missing and is the root cause of much of the current frustration with the plan.

Fred Durhal III: The I-375 project represents an important step forward toward building a Detroit where families and small businesses can thrive. Modernizing I-375 means removing outdated and dangerous road conditions, making transportation safer and more convenient. At the same time, modernizing I-375 also brings communities together, by eliminating physical barriers that separated and isolated neighborhoods. My campaign is laser focused on building a One Detroit, where opportunity and progress can be realized in every neighborhood in our city, not just a few. By modernizing I-375, we can help achieve this crucial goal.

However, there are negative impacts expressed by the affected community as well as businesses within that community relative to traffic flow, patronized frequency of businesses, and truck routes. As mayor, we will work to ensure all these concerns are addressed.

Saunteel Jenkins: We have only one chance to get this right for the next generation of Detroiters. This is the entryway for our largest sports stadiums, many hospitals, Greektown, Eastern Market and the Riverfront.

Issues such as the lack of a serious approach to restorative justice, poor urban design, limited walkability, and construction mitigation were first voiced in January 2021 and recorded in the March 2022 federal document that gave MDOT’s project permission to proceed. Those concerns remain unanswered. We still haven’t seen a formal plan.

Recent reduction in the number of lanes on the new boulevard has been hard won. Community members advocated for this change throughout 2023. The result: changing the project from nine lanes of traffic to six, and now four.

The 1956 National Highway Act gave the city the funds to begin an urban renewal project in earnest, replacing Black Bottom and Paradise Valley with the Chrysler Freeway. We don’t want the federal money of today to repeat the mistakes of the past. We need a transparent master plan for what is built in place of I-375 that recognizes historic communities and builds up today’s neighborhoods and businesses. You can’t design while you construct. We want MDOT to plan, communicate, and only then, act.

Another consideration: We need to hire black-owned suppliers across all aspects of the road and land development. These crews need to employ Detroiters.

Todd Perkins: The I-375 Reconnecting Communities project has the potential to reshape Detroit’s infrastructure and economy in ways that could significantly benefit the city. However, its success will depend largely on how the project is implemented and whether it truly prioritizes community needs and historical preservation.

Positive Impacts:

Revitalization and Economic Growth: The project can bring much-needed infrastructure improvements, including new roads, boulevards, and community spaces. These enhancements can serve as a catalyst for economic growth, attracting new businesses, tourism, and investments in Detroit’s downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The creation of new public spaces can promote community engagement and provide more green areas, improving the quality of life for residents.

Small Business Opportunities: With proper planning, the project can open new avenues for local businesses, particularly those owned by Black Detroiters. I envision the establishment of business incubators and job training programs to ensure that local entrepreneurs can thrive in the new development.

Historical Restoration and Cultural Healing: The project offers an opportunity to repair the historical wrongs caused by the displacement of Black Bottom residents. With proper focus on memorializing the legacy of this vibrant community, the project can serve as a step toward healing and reconciliation.

Negative Impacts:

Gentrification and Displacement: One of the most pressing concerns is the potential for gentrification, which could price out existing residents and businesses, particularly in historically Black communities. Without intentional planning, the project could lead to the displacement of long-term Detroit residents who have already been affected by previous urban renewal efforts.

Inequitable Economic Benefits: If not carefully managed, the economic opportunities generated by the project could disproportionately benefit outside investors or large corporations, rather than local residents and small businesses.

As Mayor, I will take several steps to accelerate positive impacts and address any potential negative outcomes:

Community-Led Development: I will ensure that community stakeholders, especially those from the impacted neighborhoods, are involved in every step of the project. This includes setting up advisory boards to represent local business owners, residents, and cultural institutions, ensuring their voices are heard in zoning, land use, and development decisions.

Affordable Housing and Small Business Protection: I will advocate for policies that protect affordable housing options and incentivize the development of affordable units within the new project zones. Additionally, I will push for a strong local hiring initiative and support programs for Black-owned businesses to ensure they thrive in the redevelopment process.

Addressing Gentrification: To combat gentrification, I will implement rent control measures and support policies that make it easier for long-standing residents to stay in their homes, such as home repair grants, property tax freezes, and community land trusts that help protect affordable housing stock.

Economic Inclusion: I will work to ensure that the benefits of this project are shared equitably across the city. This includes providing opportunities for Detroit’s workforce, particularly in skilled trades, construction, and tech industries, to participate in the project through apprenticeships, job training, and direct employment opportunities.

By ensuring the project’s benefits are distributed fairly and that its negative effects are mitigated, I believe the I-375 Reconnecting Communities project can become a model for equitable urban development.

Mary Sheffield: This could have a tremendous impact, if executed correctly. It could bring new businesses, housing and commercial opportunities within the acreage that is created by the demolition. It could create jobs and feed additional business into the attached corridors. It has the potential to strengthen Eastern Market, Greektown, and other well-known areas. Part of my role as Mayor would be to maximize impact by reducing silos between this project and the quality of life improvements that we have laid out in our platform for the City as a whole. Integrating innovation in affordable housing, small business development and expansion, transit quality and public safety will be priorities within the planning process. I will ensure that the Planning Department is properly integrated, that historical components are properly acknowledged within the design, and that my own Office leads a conversation around restorative justice within this project. We will risk a missed opportunity if this project becomes just another multi-late throughput that does not embody the cultural, business and community impact that Black Bottom and Paradise Valley did. This means that as Mayor, I will bring historical, cultural and restorative priorities to the table in order to address the tensions that exist with the current plans.

Fred Durhal III: First, we would seek to appoint people who are residents and business stakeholders in the affected area. Second, we will charge our appointees to be fair, prioritize community concerns, and consider the overall strategic planning that our administration would like to implement regarding development.

Saunteel Jenkins: First, I would advocate to increase the size of that commission. We need more voices on this important land use issue, especially since the final land use decisions won’t be made until the project is well underway, likely 2027.

Most importantly, we need to ensure that Black businesses are the priorities in this new district, with first preference given to businesses that have a legacy tie to Black Bottom and Paradise Valley families. Personally, I’d like the area to resemble the brick buildings and commercial corridor, like the original Hastings Street.

When evaluating potential businesses for these 30 acres, first consideration should be given to the needs of the area residents. What services and amenities are lacking in this region along I-375? I know the city is hosting listening sessions on this topic now. After 150 people at 28 tables brainstormed very specific ideas in the first meeting, they announced at the second meeting that all the buildings and areas should be “mixed use.” They clearly didn’t listen and wasted everyone’s time. I hope they get into more detail soon about specifics.

Todd Perkins: As Mayor, I would ensure that my appointees to the commission responsible for the disposition of the 30 acres of new land created by the I-375 project are committed to transparency, community engagement, and equitable development. The decisions made by this commission will have a profound and lasting impact on Detroit’s neighborhoods, and it is imperative that these decisions align with the city’s values of inclusion and opportunity.

The charge to my appointees would include the following key directives:

Community-Centered Decision Making: My appointees must prioritize the needs of Detroit residents, particularly those in historically marginalized communities, in the land disposition process. They should engage with local residents, business owners, and community organizations through public hearings and forums to gather input and ensure that the community’s vision for the land is respected. No land decision should be made without full community participation.

Economic Equity and Local Benefit: The 30 acres of land should be utilized to create opportunities that directly benefit Detroiters, especially Black Detroiters. I will charge my appointees with ensuring that local businesses, workers, and entrepreneurs have the first opportunity to access the land for development, whether it’s for affordable housing, business incubators, or community spaces. The commission must be vigilant against outside developers looking to capitalize on the land at the expense of Detroit residents.

Historical and Cultural Preservation: This land represents a chance to address the historical wrongs of displacement, particularly in the Black Bottom neighborhood. I will direct my appointees to incorporate spaces for cultural heritage, memorials, and public art that honor the legacy of Black Detroiters. This should include preserving the historical significance of the land while fostering new development that enriches the cultural fabric of the city.

Sustainability and Long-Term Vision: The land should be developed with a long-term vision in mind, focused on sustainability and resilience. My appointees should ensure that any development on this land incorporates green infrastructure, climate resilience measures, and long-term planning that serves future generations. The use of the land should help to build a more sustainable, livable city for all Detroiters.

Affordable Housing and Job Creation: One of the main priorities for the land should be the creation of affordable housing, with provisions to ensure that long-term residents are not displaced. Additionally, the land should be used to generate good-paying jobs, particularly in sectors like construction, manufacturing, green energy, and tech, through local hiring programs and workforce development initiatives.

My appointees will have a responsibility to ensure that the land disposition process is fair, transparent, and serves the greater good of the community, while laying the groundwork for an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous Detroit.

Mary Sheffield: First, I would ensure that the individuals have been community servants and advocates who understand and can verbalize Detroiters' needs at that extremely important table. They must understand planning and business development, with the charge that new construction should blend seamlessly with current culture, attractions and community staples without competing and displacing. They are to deeply understand how and where the project would impact business and residential development. They will be equipped with revenue and housing impact data, and be charged to advance plans that project net revenue and housing gains for impacted individuals as a result of the project. I would also charge them to convene communities both before and after commission gatherings so that residents have a direct line into the conversations that occur. I would ensure that they have proper historical context around the nature of the original displacement so that they can be equipped with the charge to craft an approach that provides economic opportunity, housing stability, and real restoration for the descendants of those displaced by the original project. Black Bottom and Paradise Valley were not just places, they were ideas that represented empowerment, opportunity and deep community. These appointees will understand that history, and will be charged to bring that context to the conversation.

Fred Durhal III: Community enhancements that we would advocate for as mayor are additional green space, diverse opportunities for multiple modes of transportation, access to residents' needs such as fresh grocery stores, access to healthcare, pharmacies, and sit down restaurants. Additionally, we would advocate for more opportunity for the creation of smaller and minority businesses to inhabit these corridors.

I believe the city should play a strong role in ensuring these community enhancements are delivered and work directly with the stakeholders to achieve the overall goals in our master plan and strategic neighborhood plan.

Saunteel Jenkins: Detroit’s tree canopy needs to be increased and tree-filled parks with playgrounds should be a key part of the enhancements of this district. I will work with the City’s General Services department and nonprofits like The Greening of Detroit to make parks a big part of the new roadway.

Another priority is to ensure that a good percentage of this land is dedicated to Black-owned businesses that can serve Detroit’s residents. We need daycare centers, movie theaters, playgrounds, senior buildings and rec centers to offer teens activities.

Todd Perkins: As Mayor, I would advocate for community enhancements that prioritize the well-being, prosperity, and cultural integrity of Detroit’s neighborhoods, particularly those impacted by the I-375 project. These enhancements should go beyond surface-level improvements and focus on long-term benefits for residents, businesses, and future generations.

Key community enhancements I would advocate for include:

Green Space and Public Amenities: I would push for the creation of new parks, greenways, and recreational spaces along the I-375 corridor. These spaces would provide Detroit residents with accessible, safe, and sustainable areas for relaxation, fitness, and community events. The development of green infrastructure, such as trees, rain gardens, and stormwater management systems, would also enhance the area’s environmental health while improving the city’s resilience to climate change.

Cultural and Historical Preservation: The legacy of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley must be honored through public art, memorials, and community spaces that educate residents and visitors about Detroit’s rich cultural history. I would advocate for the creation of cultural hubs or museums that celebrate the contributions of African American communities in Detroit and offer programs that engage youth in preserving these legacies.

Affordable Housing and Economic Development: As part of the community enhancements, I would ensure that the project includes significant investments in affordable housing to mitigate the risk of displacement caused by the redevelopment. This would be coupled with job creation initiatives focused on Detroiters, especially in construction, skilled trades, and green energy sectors. Business incubators and workforce development programs would also be key to fostering long-term economic empowerment for residents.

Access to Health and Wellness Services: I would advocate for health and wellness centers, particularly in neighborhoods that have historically had limited access to healthcare. These centers would provide critical services such as mental health support, substance abuse treatment, and preventive care, ensuring the health of Detroit residents is prioritized in the project’s enhancements.

Transportation and Mobility Infrastructure: Improvements to the city’s public transportation system and pedestrian infrastructure should be a core part of the enhancements. This includes expanding bus routes, improving sidewalks and bike lanes, and integrating alternative transportation solutions like electric vehicle charging stations and bike-sharing programs, ensuring that all residents have easy access to mobility options.

The City’s Role in Delivering These Enhancements:

The City of Detroit must play an active and central role in ensuring that these community enhancements are not only planned but actually delivered to residents. This includes:

Strong Oversight and Accountability: The City should establish a dedicated task force or oversight body to track the progress of community enhancements, ensuring that funds are allocated and spent responsibly. This body should include representatives from impacted communities, local organizations, and city departments to ensure the enhancements reflect the needs of Detroiters.

Collaboration with State and Federal Agencies: The City must work closely with MDOT, federal agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that the community enhancements align with Detroit’s long-term vision for growth and sustainability. This collaboration should ensure that resources are secured and enhancements are integrated into broader city development plans.

Community-Driven Planning: The City should facilitate ongoing community engagement and ensure that Detroit residents, particularly those in the neighborhoods directly impacted by the I-375 project, have a voice in the decision-making process. Through public meetings, surveys, and advisory committees, residents should have the opportunity to help shape the enhancements and hold decision-makers accountable.

Long-Term Sustainability: The City must ensure that the community enhancements are not temporary fixes but investments in Detroit’s future. This includes securing funding for maintenance and long-term upkeep of green spaces, public amenities, and other infrastructure enhancements.

By actively advocating for meaningful, community-driven enhancements and ensuring effective oversight and implementation, I will ensure that the I-375 Reconnecting Communities project leaves a lasting, positive impact on the people of Detroit.

Mary Sheffield: My belief is that what community enhancements look like has to be determined by the community itself. My administration's role is to first ensure that residents know the true history of the project: Whom and what businesses were displaced in the past, and the economic impacts of that displacement. Secondly, the community should understand current impact: What businesses and other corridors I-375 feeds into, such as Greektown and Eastern Market, so that access is not impeded but enhanced by the final project design. Finally, each future proposal should include an impact assessment so that we ensure that people and businesses affected by this project in the past and present are made whole, and that the entire city advances. We already know from Detroiters themselves that public safety, housing, transit and economic development are some of their top concerns of residents. We should at the very least ensure that this project becomes a model of innovation and equitable execution of each of these core quality of life areas.

Fred Durhal III: I believe in developing and maintaining strong partnership with all stakeholders, agencies at all levels of government and neighboring communities that will host the modernized I-375. Regular and open lines of communications and information sharing are critical to ensuring the project proceeds smoothly, with minimal disruption to transportation and the flow of commerce. This means meeting with stakeholders on Day One of my administration for a full and complete understanding of every detail of the project, timelines, contingency plans and other considerations.

Saunteel Jenkins: This is an area with a mix of residents at all income levels, plus the heavy use during events at the stadiums, casinos and commercial districts of Eastern Market and Greektown. The non-motorized pavement for walking and biking need to be clearly separated from the heavy traffic of the surface streets. Safety has to be a top priority.

Todd Perkins: As Mayor, I would play a crucial role in ensuring that the roads developed as part of the I-375 Reconnecting Communities project are not only functional but also safe, vibrant, and accessible for all users, whether they are driving, walking, cycling, or using other forms of non-motorized transportation. While not all of the new roads will fall under the City of Detroit’s jurisdiction, I will actively collaborate with MDOT, neighboring municipalities, and regional planning agencies to ensure that Detroit’s needs and priorities are integrated into the final design.

My role would include:

Ensuring Safety for All Users: Road safety should be a top priority, and I will work to ensure that all new and redesigned roads include features that protect both motorized and non-motorized users. This includes dedicated bike lanes, safe pedestrian crossings, improved signage, and well-lit areas to ensure that everyone can safely navigate the streets, day or night. I will advocate for a “complete streets” approach, ensuring that the infrastructure supports all modes of transportation, whether it's driving, biking, walking, or using public transit.

Multi-Modal Transportation Integration: As Mayor, I will champion the integration of all modes of transportation in the city’s development planning. This includes advocating for the inclusion of public transit access, bike-sharing systems, and pedestrian-friendly pathways along the newly developed roadways. I will work with MDOT and other regional agencies to ensure that the roads support a seamless and efficient transportation network, reducing congestion and promoting sustainable mobility options like biking and walking.

Vibrant, Community-Centered Design: I will push for road designs that foster a sense of place and community. This means creating roadways that are not just thoroughfares but also vibrant spaces that enhance the city’s aesthetic, culture, and quality of life. This includes the installation of public art, green infrastructure like trees and landscaping, and public spaces that encourage community engagement. The roadways should not just connect people, they should contribute to the vitality of Detroit’s neighborhoods and commercial districts.

Collaboration with State and Federal Agencies: While MDOT and other regional entities will have a role in the development of the new roads, I will ensure that the City of Detroit’s priorities are reflected in the final design. This includes advocating for Detroit’s specific needs when it comes to traffic flow, pedestrian infrastructure, and multimodal transportation. As Mayor, I will also work to secure any necessary state or federal funding to support these efforts.

Ongoing Maintenance and Adaptation: Finally, my role as Mayor will also involve ensuring that these new roadways are properly maintained and adapted as the city evolves. I will push for regular assessments to ensure the infrastructure continues to meet the needs of all road users, and make adjustments as necessary to address emerging challenges, such as increased traffic or new forms of transportation.

By prioritizing safety, accessibility, and vibrancy, I will work to ensure that the I-375 project results in roads that are not only functional but also serve the broader needs of Detroiters, supporting a diverse and dynamic transportation system for years to come.

Mary Sheffield: As mentioned, this project should not exist in a silo. It should reflect the efforts under my administration to develop premier public safety, housing, economic development, and in this case, transit and streetscape systems across the entire City. My role as Mayor would be to ensure, through close partnership with the State and our Governor, that MDOT's final design is informed by the objectives of innovation, equity, and safety that we will be prioritizing in my administration. DDOT Reimagined calls for innovation within bus shelters, enhanced transit corridors, and first and last mile solutions. Designs that prioritize pedestrian and bike safety must also be premiered here, just as we are prioritizing redesigned and safer roadways within our neighborhoods. I firmly believe that these priorities can be integrated within the final design with proper communication of priorities with our State partners.

Fred Durhal III: My final thoughts on the I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project are that while this project may be controversial in some manor welcomed by some, and unwelcomed by many, we must ensure we are not sending funding back to the federal government. That being stated, it is also important to note that while the premise of this project is to seek to correct a wrong that happened decades ago, as a city government, we are focused on ensuring equitable development, planning that does not interrupt our current business environment in the affected area and an opportunity to grow our city that provides the best possible outcome for residents and businesses.

Saunteel Jenkins: Two very important final points:

*We must provide construction mitigation funds to the existing local businesses while MDOT builds this new roadway over three years. It will be catastrophic to their livelihoods because customers won’t be able to easily reach tthe businesses.

*I’d like to see this new district pick up the “can do” spirit of the historic Black Bottom and Paradise Valley district. It should be filled with Black-owned businesses that embrace Detroit’s hard-working attitude. Most importantly, Detroiters need to support this new district with their dollars.

Todd Perkins: As Mayor, I view the I-375 Reconnecting Communities project as more than just an infrastructure development, it’s a chance to reshape the future of Detroit in a way that is inclusive, economically empowering, and rooted in our city’s rich history. I am committed to ensuring that this project becomes a model for equitable urban renewal, where all Detroiters, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, can see tangible benefits.

The I-375 project presents a unique opportunity to address long-standing injustices, particularly the displacement caused by the original construction of the highway. As part of The Perkins Plan for Detroit, I envision a future where the city embraces its full potential by integrating sustainable development, workforce opportunities, and community empowerment. My goal is to ensure that this project brings meaningful change, not only in terms of infrastructure but also through the economic, cultural, and social enrichment of our neighborhoods.

As a successful CEO of a law firm, I bring a wealth of experience in leadership, negotiation, and strategic planning. I have led initiatives that required collaboration across sectors, working with business leaders, legal experts, and community organizations to achieve outcomes that benefit all parties involved. These skills will be vital in navigating the complexities of this project, particularly when it comes to securing equitable land use, protecting local businesses, and ensuring that the voices of impacted residents are heard and respected.

I am committed to driving forward a vision for Detroit that honors its history while building a stronger, more resilient future. This means prioritizing job creation, affordable housing, small business support, and cultural preservation as key components of the I-375 redevelopment. With my leadership experience and dedication to community-driven solutions, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the I-375 Reconnecting Communities project truly serves the people of Detroit and creates long-term, positive change.

I firmly believe that through collective effort, transparency, and a focus on equity, we can transform this project into a catalyst for Detroit’s future, a city where opportunity, inclusion, and healing go hand in hand.

Mary Sheffield: I understand that there are deadlines to be adhered to, and very real uncertainties around federal funding at this time. But, just as ARPA dollars have been time-limited and non-recurring, we have a responsibility to leverage a very rare opportunity to make real, lasting change and prioritize reparative justice. MDOT's own plans have been met with considerable push back. In very short order, and in adherence with guidelines agreed to by the community, I intend to commission alternative plans that acknowledge history, make residents whole, and demonstrate innovation and equity to account for the tremendous loss that occurred over 60 years ago. Without jeopardizing funding, I intend to work with our State partners to deliver a plan that is meaningful, unique and accomplishes the original goals of the Reconnecting Communities Initiative, so that Detroit is a national example of what is possible when history is acknowledged and addressed with real and tangible solutions.