(WWJ) -- A University of Michigan survey points to challenges Detroiters want to see the next mayor take on.
The survey shows a fairly even split among what residents see as their biggest concerns. Tops on the list was crime and safety with nearly 18% followed by neighborhood conditions with 16%, employment with 15%, housing with 15%. Transportation, schools, and getting food were also mentioned in the survey.
That’s according to a survey of Detroit residents conducted by the Detroit Metro Area Communities Study at U-M in partnership with Outlier Media.
“Detroiters’ needs and priorities should shape the agenda for the city’s new leadership. Going into the election, the survey data offer insights into the day-to-day challenges that are most pressing for Detroiters,” said Celia Fan, DMACS data manager, who co-authored the issue brief with Mara Cecilia Ostfeld, faculty lead of DMACS.
Among those that chose crime and safety, only 47% said having a greater police presence would make them feel safer. Other alternatives included stronger gun control, better street lighting, and fewer vacant properties.
Residents concerned with neighborhood conditions cited their biggest needs as neighborhood maintenance (17.7%), more consistent garbage clean up and better upkeep of streets, alleys and vacant lots; preventing neighborhood dumping (17.5%); and fewer vacant and blighted structures (16.6%).