In a city that is facing difficult financial challenges, including a pending bankruptcy action, Michael Duggan, the former CEO of the Detroit Medical Center complex who is credited with turning around the financially troubled healthcare system and placing it on a sound financial footing, has been elected as the mayor of Detroit. His election is being viewed as a clear message from Detroit’s voters that they want to see Detroit’s leaders focused on rebuilding the economic base of the city. 

Duggan had strong support from the Detroit electorate as well as the Detroit and regional business community. Duggan’s election is viewed as a very positive development in restructuring city government and city finances as Detroit goes through the pending bankruptcy proceeding, which is currently the subject of extensive hearings before the bankruptcy judge. Duggan has a reputation as a politically and financially savvy leader who can successfully tackle complex political and financial problems. Duggan also has practical experience in connection with the operation of one of Detroit’s major income generating industries – the three Detroit casinos.

He served as a member of the board of directors of one of the casinos (Greektown) for a limited period of time before stepping down to commence his run for the mayor’s office. Given Duggan’s impressive track record, there are high hopes that his election as Detroit’s next mayor will be a major shot in the arm for accelerating Detroit’s turnaround.