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.
PODCAST:
(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 HE STANDS FOR:
Barlow’s campaign is focused on innovation, equity, and economic empowerment. He has proposed a $500 million Detroit Business Growth Fund to support local hiring and investment, along with smart tax incentives for companies that train and employ Detroiters.
His platform includes expanding affordable housing, creating good-paying jobs, and modernizing city services through technology-driven solutions. He also supports youth employment programs, digital access initiatives, and the use of AI-powered platforms to connect residents with career opportunities.
Barlow’s campaign messaging highlights a commitment to inclusive leadership, with a focus on responsiveness and accountability to Detroit residents.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
