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Duggan exits governor race

The independent candidate's supporters are now up for grabs in one of the country's marquee governor's races.

News

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan ended his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="independent campaign for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/09/duggan-2026-michigan-election-chaos" data-vars-content-id="63917611-abb7-401f-bc2f-1e2d570534a9" data-vars-headline="Duggan exits governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/09/duggan-2026-michigan-election-chaos" target="_self">independent campaign for governor</a> Thursday, telling supporters he no longer sees a viable path to victory as national political forces reshape Michigan&#x27;s race.Why it matters: Duggan built a broad coalition of labor groups, business leaders and elected officials from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="both parties" data-vars-click-url="https://mikeduggan.com/more-than-200-current-and-former-elected-officials-from-across-michigan-and-party-lines-endorse-mike-duggans-independent-bid-for-governor/" data-vars-content-id="63917611-abb7-401f-bc2f-1e2d570534a9" data-vars-headline="Duggan exits governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mikeduggan.com/more-than-200-current-and-former-elected-officials-from-across-michigan-and-party-lines-endorse-mike-duggans-independent-bid-for-governor/" target="_blank">both parties</a> around his anti-partisanship message. Those supporters are now up for grabs in one of the country&#x27;s marquee governor&#x27;s races.

Things to do this Memorial Day weekend in Metro Detroit: May 22-25

Commemorate the holiday, dance the nights away and grab an elephant ear.

Things to Do

🕺 Dance the days and nights away (while staying hydrated!) as you celebrate Detroit&#x27;s techno legacy during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Movement music festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/20/movement-festival-guide-hart-plaza" data-vars-content-id="f6c2d3f0-4c46-4891-ac52-e68bb4b9484d" data-vars-headline="Things to do this Memorial Day weekend in Metro Detroit: May 22-25" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/20/movement-festival-guide-hart-plaza" target="_self">Movement music festival</a>.<ul><li>1-day GA: $227.</li></ul>

Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines

Years ago, the city passed on hosting as costs and demands loomed.

Detroit has built a reputation for landing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major sports events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/26/scenes-from-a-sports-centric-celebration-of-detroit-during-the-nfl-draft" data-vars-content-id="993bb656-32f7-47f3-8816-823feea51ce8" data-vars-headline="Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/26/scenes-from-a-sports-centric-celebration-of-detroit-during-the-nfl-draft" target="_self">major sports events</a>, but the city will be watching from the sidelines when the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="993bb656-32f7-47f3-8816-823feea51ce8" data-vars-headline="Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">World Cup</a> kicks off next month.The big picture: Detroit declined to pursue becoming a host city during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2017 bidding process" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitsports.org/news/2017/10/4/general-united-bid-committee-announces-detroit-as-potential-host-city-for-2026-fifa-world-cup.aspx" data-vars-content-id="993bb656-32f7-47f3-8816-823feea51ce8" data-vars-headline="Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitsports.org/news/2017/10/4/general-united-bid-committee-announces-detroit-as-potential-host-city-for-2026-fifa-world-cup.aspx" target="_blank">2017 bidding process</a>. One obstacle was FIFA&#x27;s requirement that Ford Field install natural grass, along with an irrigation and drainage system, local tourism officials say.

MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz is leaving for Clemson

The university will search for its sixth president in eight years.

Michigan State president Kevin Guskiewicz is leaving to lead Clemson University, partially due to &quot;discouraging behavior by a few trustees,&quot; he <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Wednesday" data-vars-click-url="https://president.msu.edu/communications/2026/05/05-27-2026-community-letter" data-vars-content-id="c826a19a-8d46-4af7-898e-8feaffe8d134" data-vars-headline="MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz is leaving for Clemson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://president.msu.edu/communications/2026/05/05-27-2026-community-letter" target="_blank">announced Wednesday</a>.Why it matters: Circumstances surrounding Guskiewicz&#x27;s departure have once again exposed turmoil at the university&#x27;s highest levels, leaving Michigan State to find its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sixth president in eight years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/campus/2026/05/27/msu-kevin-guskiewicz-named-clemson-university-president-michigan-state/90275588007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z115935p119850c119850e004700v115935d--33--b--33--&amp;gca-ft=45&amp;gca-ds=sophi" data-vars-content-id="c826a19a-8d46-4af7-898e-8feaffe8d134" data-vars-headline="MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz is leaving for Clemson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/campus/2026/05/27/msu-kevin-guskiewicz-named-clemson-university-president-michigan-state/90275588007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z115935p119850c119850e004700v115935d--33--b--33--&amp;gca-ft=45&amp;gca-ds=sophi" target="_blank">sixth president in eight years</a>.

Detroit City Chatter: New civil rights hire

Plus, more additions to an influential economic development board.

Politics

Welcome back to our weekly city policy roundup.💼 Hiring news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jade Mathis" data-vars-click-url="https://jadeemathis.com/" data-vars-content-id="b6d1e066-446f-4fc3-93d2-0b6321f3503f" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: New civil rights hire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jadeemathis.com/" target="_blank">Jade Mathis</a>, a civil rights attorney, public speaker and mental health advocate, is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="next director" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitmi.gov/news/mayor-mary-sheffield-appoints-jade-e-mathis-director-civil-rights-inclusion-opportunity-megan" data-vars-content-id="b6d1e066-446f-4fc3-93d2-0b6321f3503f" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: New civil rights hire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitmi.gov/news/mayor-mary-sheffield-appoints-jade-e-mathis-director-civil-rights-inclusion-opportunity-megan" target="_blank">next director</a> of Detroit&#x27;s Civil Rights, Inclusion &amp; Opportunity Department. Much of her past work has focused on criminal justice reform.

Cancer survivors sought for portraits planned on Corktown building

Cancer survivors, family members and caregivers are sought for portraits on the historic CPA Building.

Health

An arts nonprofit is still seeking participants for a public art exhibition in Corktown featuring 103 portraits of local cancer survivors and family members.The big picture: Grand Rapids-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lions &amp; Rabbits Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lionsandrabbits.com/placemaking/detroit" data-vars-content-id="57be8e61-7a3b-45c1-8161-e09f728867dc" data-vars-headline="Cancer survivors sought for portraits planned on Corktown building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lionsandrabbits.com/placemaking/detroit" target="_blank">Lions &amp; Rabbits Center</a> plans to install prints of hand-painted portraits on the wedge-shaped CPA Building at a prominent corner of Michigan Avenue, across from Michigan Central.

Detroit hotel boom aims to attract more events

More than 1,600 new hotel rooms are planned across downtown.

Business

Downtown&#x27;s hotel pipeline is ramping up to attract more events and conventions.Why it matters: More than 1,600 new hotel rooms are slated to come online — about a 25% increase from today&#x27;s roughly 6,000 rooms, per Visit Detroit.<ul><li>The added capacity will help the city attract major events beyond next year&#x27;s NCAA men&#x27;s Final Four at Ford Field, tourism officials say.</li></ul>

Questions remain on Michigan Central transit hub cost

Officials say the final price won't be set until the design phase wraps in 2027.

The final cost of Michigan Central&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed transit hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/07/scoop-amtrak-mdot-michigan-central-train-bus-station" data-vars-content-id="4da7f4ef-9469-4ac7-9e08-45b9cbd1dc81" data-vars-headline="Questions remain on Michigan Central transit hub cost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/07/scoop-amtrak-mdot-michigan-central-train-bus-station" target="_self">proposed transit hub</a> won&#x27;t be clear until at least 2027, once the project completes its design phase.Why it matters: The long-planned transit hub in Corktown is a key step toward modernizing Detroit&#x27;s transit system and connecting the region to national and international rail networks.

Food halls see success in suburbs, report finds

It's another sign of how remote work has changed where we spend our happy hours and our weekends.

Food and Drink

While big cities may have built the food hall industry&#x27;s brand, the nation&#x27;s next wave of food hall projects will be built in the suburbs.Why it matters: That takeaway from a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State of Food Halls" data-vars-click-url="https://colicchioconsulting.com/state-of-food-halls-2026/" data-vars-content-id="541cb663-2e5f-4cab-a6c4-4422df895bdf" data-vars-headline="Food halls see success in suburbs, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://colicchioconsulting.com/state-of-food-halls-2026/" target="_blank">State of Food Halls</a> report is another sign of how<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" remote work" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/05/26/minnesota-remote-work-highest-states-hybrid" data-vars-content-id="541cb663-2e5f-4cab-a6c4-4422df895bdf" data-vars-headline="Food halls see success in suburbs, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/05/26/minnesota-remote-work-highest-states-hybrid" target="_self"> remote work</a> has changed where we spend our happy hours and our weekends.

Detroit pushes for more downtown residents

A new study finds strong downtown housing demand following decades of population loss.

Development

An influential nonprofit believes Detroit can grow its lagging downtown population by more than 50% in five years.Why it matters: Leaders want to promote the city core as once again a place to live, not just visit or work.

City Chatter: Sheffield's first mayoral Mackinac

Our weekly Detroit politics roundup includes Mackinac and RenCen chatter.

Welcome back to our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="regular roundup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/22/detroit-city-chatter-drag-racing-and-a-dangerous-building" data-vars-content-id="2aba1027-b56b-48e8-bfe9-2236ebd043ab" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: Sheffield&#x27;s first mayoral Mackinac" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/22/detroit-city-chatter-drag-racing-and-a-dangerous-building" target="_self">regular roundup</a> of city politics and policy news.🙋 Larson on RenCen: We asked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Downtown Detroit Partnership CEO Eric Larson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/29/downtown-population-growth-live-apartments" data-vars-content-id="2aba1027-b56b-48e8-bfe9-2236ebd043ab" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: Sheffield&#x27;s first mayoral Mackinac" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/29/downtown-population-growth-live-apartments" target="_self">Downtown Detroit Partnership CEO Eric Larson</a> about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dan Gilbert/GM RenCen redevelopment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/17/rencen-redevelopment-funding-detroit" data-vars-content-id="2aba1027-b56b-48e8-bfe9-2236ebd043ab" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: Sheffield&#x27;s first mayoral Mackinac" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/17/rencen-redevelopment-funding-detroit" target="_self">Dan Gilbert/GM RenCen redevelopment</a>, which is still dependent on whether state lawmakers want to provide funding.

Gilbert fund pushes to extend tax debt relief program

A Gilbert program buoyed by the state helps Detroiters wipe their slates clean of property tax debt.

Dan Gilbert&#x27;s philanthropic organization is calling on the state Legislature to renew a program it says is crucial to keeping low-income families in their homes.Why it matters: A soon-to-expire state law called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pay As You Stay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2020/03/03/governor-whitmer-signs-pay-as-you-stay-legislation-to-help-michiganders-stay-in-their-homes" data-vars-content-id="b870c360-4f5a-4884-a30a-90613d7ac065" data-vars-headline="Gilbert fund pushes to extend tax debt relief program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2020/03/03/governor-whitmer-signs-pay-as-you-stay-legislation-to-help-michiganders-stay-in-their-homes" target="_blank">Pay As You Stay</a> (PAYS) has been instrumental in &quot;incredible outcomes&quot; from Gilbert&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Tax Relief Fund" data-vars-click-url="https://gilbertfamilyfoundation.org/news-and-stories/gilbert-family-foundation-rocket-community-fund-announce-500-million-philanthropic-investment-in-detroit-will-pay-off-property-tax-debt-for-low-income-homeowners/" data-vars-content-id="b870c360-4f5a-4884-a30a-90613d7ac065" data-vars-headline="Gilbert fund pushes to extend tax debt relief program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gilbertfamilyfoundation.org/news-and-stories/gilbert-family-foundation-rocket-community-fund-announce-500-million-philanthropic-investment-in-detroit-will-pay-off-property-tax-debt-for-low-income-homeowners/" target="_blank">Detroit Tax Relief Fund</a>, according to the billionaire real estate mogul&#x27;s philanthropy leader, Laura Grannemann.

Detroit City Chatter: Drag racing and a dangerous building

Police addressed drag racing concerns in response to resident complaints.

Welcome back to our regular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city policy roundup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/15/detroit-city-chatter-demolition-contaminated-dirt" data-vars-content-id="da01f213-248b-4f8e-874b-df1c941ed7b8" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: Drag racing and a dangerous building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/15/detroit-city-chatter-demolition-contaminated-dirt" target="_self">city policy roundup</a>.🚧 Building woes: Council member Scott Benson is calling for immediate action to fix up the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vacant former" data-vars-click-url="https://www.abandonedcommercialdetroit.com/masonelementaryschool" data-vars-content-id="da01f213-248b-4f8e-874b-df1c941ed7b8" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: Drag racing and a dangerous building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.abandonedcommercialdetroit.com/masonelementaryschool" target="_blank">vacant former</a> Stevens T. Mason Elementary School, which neighbors say is dangerous.

Inside Sakura Novi's new retail and dining hub

The development aims to bring destination retail while reflecting the city's growing Asian American population.

<figure><img alt="A gif that shows Joe grabbing a sun shaped stuffed animal from a claw machine " height="450" id="403cfb0c-4af5-49be-b0ad-492afb08195a" src="https://images.axios.com/CW2s28E3G6LbI4LZ4UedCTh4hxs=/2026/04/16/1776363839551.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Joe&#x27;s successful claw machine endeavor at Klawsome! in Novi. GIF: Annalise Frank/Axios</figcaption></figure>A new development in Novi is turning a stretch of suburbia into a hub for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Asian-inspired retail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/18/168-asian-mart-expansion-madison-heights" data-vars-content-id="a39be478-b0cd-42d8-824a-4f3ee83cdc74" data-vars-headline="Inside Sakura Novi&#x27;s new retail and dining hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/18/168-asian-mart-expansion-madison-heights" target="_self">Asian-inspired retail</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sakura Novi" data-vars-click-url="https://sakuranovi.com/" data-vars-content-id="a39be478-b0cd-42d8-824a-4f3ee83cdc74" data-vars-headline="Inside Sakura Novi&#x27;s new retail and dining hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sakuranovi.com/" target="_blank">Sakura Novi</a> reflects a shift in suburban retail that blends housing, dining and shopping to serve a growing Asian population and draw visitors from across the region.

Development 🏗️

Detroit City Chatter: New civil rights hire

Cancer survivors sought for portraits planned on Corktown building

Detroit hotel boom aims to attract more events

Questions remain on Michigan Central transit hub cost

Food halls see success in suburbs, report finds