Photo: David Rodriguez ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
DETROIT, July 29, 2025 ~ Mayoral candidate Joel Haashiim joined “‘JR Afternoon” with Ryan Ermanni to share his top priorities for the city of Detroit, focusing on public safety, affordable housing, and economic revitalization. With the primary election approaching, Hashim made it clear that safety is the foundation for any meaningful progress. “It would be the number one priority,” he said, “because if we’re not able to have a safe city, then you can forget about trying to bring back the population.”
Haashiim proposed requiring police officers to live in the city to help rebuild trust and improve neighborhood safety. He also called for a new forensic lab to speed up homicide investigations and emphasized the importance of community policing. “I think it’s important that our police officers live in the city of Detroit,” he said, “not only to contribute to our local economy, but also to build the bridges necessary in our community.”
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July 28, 2025 ~ Joel Haashiim, Detroit mayoral candidate, joined Ryan Ermanni on 760 WJR. Haashiim discussed city safety, housing plans, and economic diversification
(CONTINUED) Housing was another major focus. Hashim said Detroit needs to attract 400,000 new residents and proposed mass-producing affordable homes through public-private partnerships. “We’re producing an industry for manufacturing high-quality homes,” he explained. “It can produce 10,000 jobs.” He also proposed long-term mortgages and financial literacy programs to help more Detroiters become homeowners.
Hashim emphasized the need to shift investment from downtown to long-neglected neighborhoods. “Now it’s time to take care of the residents who live here,” he said, “who have been here for many, many years and generations.” His plan includes mini city halls, local police stations, and infill development to revitalize communities and improve access to city services.
To fund his initiatives, Haashiim called for a diversified economy that includes international and domestic companies. He pointed to cities like Atlanta, which host hundreds of global firms, and said Detroit must follow suit to grow its tax base and create lasting opportunity. “Detroit is an international city,” he said, “but it does not have any international companies… We must diversify our economy. We must grow it.”
While Haashiim’s proposals have drawn praise for their ambition, some observers urge caution on implementation. Requiring police residency, for example, could face legal and logistical challenges, and some worry that rapid housing production might outpace infrastructure or community needs. Still, even critics acknowledge that his focus on safety, housing, and economic inclusion addresses core concerns for Detroit’s future.
With the August 5 primary fast approaching, Haashiim is working to convince voters that his focus on safety, housing, and economic growth isn’t just ambitious, it’s the practical path forward for Detroit’s future.
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Want to learn more about Joel Haashiim 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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