LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: State Plumbing Board; Judicial Tenure Commission; Michigan Arts and Culture Council; Michigan Community Service Commission; Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security; Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission; Horse Racing Advisory Commission; Michigan Law Enforcement Memorial Monument Fund Commission; Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities; Public Health Advisory Council; Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy; Michigan Board of Barber Examiners; Barrier Free Design Board; State Boundary Commission; State Fire Safety Board; and the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.  

State Plumbing Board 

Tim Hicks, of Marshall, is a licensed master plumber and the training coordinator at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 333. Tim Hicks is appointed to represent licensed plumbing contractors who hold a master’s license for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring July 30, 2026. Hicks succeeds Scott Kalchik, whose term has expired. 

The State Plumbing Board’s duties include making recommendations for plumbing code rules, licensing plumbers, and making all orders, rules, and regulations necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.    

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.    

Judicial Tenure Commission 

Siham Awada Jaafar, of Dearborn Heights, is the president and chief executive officer of 3D Consulting & Communications. Jaafar holds a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and communications from Wayne State University. Siham Jaafar will be reappointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028. 

The Judicial Tenure Commission serves to promote the integrity of the judicial process and preserve public confidence in the courts. The Commission strives to hold state judges, magistrates, and referees accountable for their misconduct without jeopardizing or compromising the essential independence of the judiciary. The basis for Commission action is a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct or Rules of Professional Conduct, which are published with the Michigan Rules of Court.  

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Michigan Arts and Culture Council

Timothy Kuehnlein, of Alpena, is the first vice president of the Thunder Bay Arts Council and an instructor in the departments of political science and history at Alpena Community College. Kuhnlein holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Hillsdale College and a Master of Arts in political science and history from Western Michigan University. Timothy Kuehnlein is appointed for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring September 1, 2028. Kuehnlein succeeds Cezanne Charles, whose term has expired. 

The Michigan Arts and Culture Council serves to encourage, develop, and facilitate an enriched environment of creative and cultural activity in Michigan. The Council envisions a Michigan where every citizen celebrates the state’s cultural treasures and arts, and ensures cultural experiences are accessible to all its citizens.   

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Michigan Community Service Commission 

Dr. Grace Lubwama, of Kalamazoo, is the president and chief executive officer of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Dr. Lubwama was previously the chief executive officer of the YWCA Kalamazoo. Dr. Lubwama holds a Bachelor of Arts in industrial art and design from Makerere University, a Master of Public Health from Boston University, and a PhD in policy, planning, and development from the University of Southern California. Dr. Grace Lubwama is appointed to represent Democrats and experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons, for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028. Dr. Lubwama succeeds Kathleen Cain-Babbit, whose term has expired. 

Marianne Grima, of Brighton, is a national programs lead at Deloitte and is the former Detroit social impact lead. Grima is also the founder and co-owner of Cowork Brighton. Grima holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and Master of Science in intelligence analysis from the University of Detroit Mercy. Marianne Grima is appointed to represent Democrats and business for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028. Grima succeeds David Parent, whose term has expired.   

The Michigan Community Service Commission strives to build a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism. The Commission develops a three-year comprehensive national and community service plan for the state that shall be updated annually, oversees and submits the state’s applications to AmeriCorps and other public and private funding sources, establishes policies and procedures for the use of federal funds, and develops initiatives to promote community service in coordination with existing programs.   

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security

Merissa Kovach, of Ferndale, is the political director of the ACLU of Michigan. Kovach holds a Bachelor of Arts in political theory and constitutional democracy from Michigan State University. Merissa Kovach is appointed to represent a statewide non-profit organization advocating for civil liberties and privacy protections for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring April 11, 2029.  Kovach succeeds Kimberly Buddin, whose term has expired.     

The Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center for Homeland Security collects, evaluates, collates, and analyzes information and intelligence and then, as appropriate, disseminates this information and intelligence to the proper public safety agencies so that any threat of terrorism or criminal activity will be successfully identified and addressed.      

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission 

Dr. Jennifer McDonald, of Ann Arbor, is a pediatrician at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group. Dr. McDonald holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Chicago, a Master of Public Health in epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Jennifer McDonald is appointed as a physician for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring December 14, 2027. Dr. McDonald succeeds Allison Dickson, who has resigned.  

Maggie Kabore, of Milan, is a nurse coordinator at the Washtenaw County Health Department. Kabore holds an associate degree in nursing from Washtenaw Community College and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Eastern Michigan University. Maggie Kabore is appointed as a member of a local health department for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring December 14, 2025. Kabore succeeds Jane Nickert, whose has resigned. 

The Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission focuses on implementing the recommendations of the former Child Lead Poisoning Elimination Board and monitoring the state’s efforts to eliminate lead exposure in children. The Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Governor and DHHS director to coordinate and collaborate with all levels of government and stakeholders regarding programs and policies related to the elimination of child lead exposure.    

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Horse Racing Advisory Commission 

Jeff Haarer, of Lansing, is the commodity section manager at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Haarer holds a Bachelor of Arts in personnel administration from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from the Thomas Cooley Law School. Jeff Haarer is appointed as the designee of the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2028. Haarer succeeds Sylvia Renteria, whose term has expired.   

The Horse Racing Advisory Commission was created within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to establish procedures governing the operation and promotion of horse racing in this state and make recommendations to the Legislature that would improve the regulatory structure of horse racing with a goal of maintaining its long-term viability in Michigan.   

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.    

Michigan Law Enforcement Memorial Monument Fund Commission 

Demetirus Davenport, of Detroit, is the chief chaplain for the Detroit Police Department and has served as a chaplain in the department for nine years. Demetirus Davenport is appointed as a police chaplain with 5 or more years’ experience for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028. Davenport succeeds Ronald Griffin, whose term has expired.  

The Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund Commission, created by Public Act 177 of 2004, was established to oversee the financing, design, and construction of Michigan’s Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.   

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.    

Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities 

Nerita Adams-Spillers, of Flint, is the Early Head Start Program manager at the Beecher Community School District. Adams-Spillers holds a Bachelor of Science in public health education from Central Michigan University and a Master of Education in early childhood education from Oakland University. Nerita Adams-Spillers is reappointed to represent Head Start programs for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2029. 

Vicki Thomas, of Sault Ste. Marie, is the director of Early Childhood Program at the CLM CAA Head Start. Vicki is also an adjunct instructor and course developer at Bay Mills Community College and formerly served as a teacher, disabilities coordinator, and program manager at CLM CAA Head Start. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science in human ecology from Michigan State University and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction in early childhood development from Concordia University – Portland. Vicki Thomas is reappointed to represent public or private providers of early intervention services for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2029.   

Amanda Rinna, of Sault Ste. Marie, is an education specialist for the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan. Rinna was previously an early head start teacher for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Rinna holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Lake Superior State University. Amanda Rinna is appointed for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring October 31, 2029. Rinna succeeds Susan Morningstar, whose term has expired. 

The Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council (MICC) is authorized and required by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended by Public Law 105-17. The MICC is charged with advising and assisting in the development and implementation of a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system that provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.   

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Public Health Advisory Council 

Dr. Farah Jalloul, of Lansing, is the chief pharmacy officer at the Michigan Pharmacists Association. Dr. Jalloul is also a licensed pharmacist and registered nurse. Dr. Jalloul holds a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of Michigan, and both a Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University. Dr. Farah Jalloul is reappointed as a licensed pharmacist for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring November 1, 2029.  

Marianne Udow-Phillips, of Ann Arbor, is the senior advisor of the Center for Health and Research Transformation at the University of Michigan and is on the faculty at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Udow-Phillips is also the principal consultant at Mu Consulting. Udow-Phillips previously served as the director of Michigan’s Department of Human Services under Governor Jennifer Granholm. Udow-Phillips holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and English from Hamilton/Kirkland Colleges, and a Master of Health Services Administration in public health from the University of Michigan. Marianne Udow-Phillips is reappointed as a member at-large for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring November 1, 2029. 

Sara Simmonds, of Grand Rapids, is an environmental health director at the Kent County Health Department. Simmonds was previously a long-term substitute teacher at Lakeville Community School District and a United States Peace Corps volunteer. Simmonds holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies and applications from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. Sara Simmonds is reappointed as an environmental health expert for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring November 1, 2029.

The Public Health Advisory Council was created within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at the recommendation of the Public Health Advisory Commission. The Council will develop an action plan for implementing the recommendations of the Commission and is tasked with providing advice about emerging issues in public health, monitoring the effectiveness of Michigan’s public health response system, and reviewing multiagency efforts to support collaboration and a unified approach on public health responses.   

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy 

Dr. Erica Mitchell, of Brighton, is an assistant professor and clinic director of the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic at Michigan State University. Dr. Mitchell is also a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AAMFT approved supervisor. Dr. Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a PhD in human development and family studies from Michigan State University, and a Master of Science in clinical psychology from Eastern Michigan University.  Dr. Erica Mitchell is appointed as a marriage and family therapist for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028.  Dr. Mitchell succeeds Kendal Holtrop, whose term has expired. 

Illami Romero Martinez-King, of Holt, is a marriage and family therapist and owner of Holistic Vida Therapy, LLC. Romero Martinez-King holds a Bachelor of Arts in family community service from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in marriage and family therapy from Northwestern University. Illami Romero Martinez-King is reappointed as a licensed marriage and family therapist for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029. 

The Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy was created to license and regulate the practice of marriage and family therapy in Michigan, which is the provision of guidance, testing, discussions, therapy, instruction, or advice that is intended to avoid, eliminate, relieve, manage, or resolve marital or family conflict or discord, to create, improve, or restore marital or family harmony, or to prepare couples for marriage. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.  

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Michigan Board of Barber Examiners 

Pete Lopez, of Livonia, is the program supervisor for training and IT for Detroit Public Schools Community District. Lopez holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and computer science from the University of Detroit Mercy and Master of Science in instructional design and technology from Wayne State University. Pete Lopez is reappointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028.

Bill Ceasar, of Lansing, is a retiree from Lansing Community College. Caesar holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Western Michigan University. Bill Ceasar is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing November 6, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029. Ceasar succeeds Lorin Cumberbatch, whose term has expired.    

The Michigan Board of Barber Examiners was created to regulate the services of barbers, barber students, barber colleges, barber instructors, student instructors, and barbershops in Michigan. The statute defines a barber as a person who shaves or trims the beard of a person; cuts, trims, shampoos, relaxes, curls, permanently waves, dresses, tints, bleaches, colors, arranges, or styles the hair of a person; massages the face and head of a person; or renders personal services of a similar nature customarily done by a barber.  

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

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WASHINGTON — House Democrats demanded Thursday that President Donald Trump rescind two ominous directives they say target protest and dissent in the United States, including directing federal law enforcement resources to investigate groups that are “anti-American” and “anti-Christian.”

In a letter to the White House the lawmakers sharply criticize a “complete and utter lack of any legal basis” for Trump’s Sept. 22 executive order “Designating Antifa as a Domestic Terrorism Organization” and his Sept. 25 memo directing federal law enforcement to investigate and disrupt a wide range of activities by groups or individuals with a vast array of beliefs.

“While protecting public safety and countering genuine threats are essential responsibilities of government, the sweeping language and broad authority in these directives pose serious constitutional, statutory, and civil liberties risks, especially if used to target political dissent, protest, or ideological speech,” states the letter led by Democratic Reps. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, Jared Huffman of California and Pramila Jayapal of Washington. 

The letter comes just two days ahead of thousands of nationwide demonstrations, dubbed “No Kings Day,” against the activities of the Trump administration, including the deployment of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops in major American cities.

READ FULL STORY HERE

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Bare-bones staffing during the government shutdown across the Interior Department and the U.S. Forest Service is leaving America’s treasured natural assets vulnerable to lasting damage, according to advocates for public lands, including current and former agency employees.

National parks and most public lands remain accessible to visitors, including those run by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and Fish and Wildlife Service. 

But the lack of staff already has led to reports of bad behavior, like illegal camping and BASE jumping at California’s Yosemite National Park, and parks advocates and workers told States Newsroom they fear more to come as the shutdown that began Oct. 1 continues with no end in sight.

READ FULL STORY HERE

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From the Classrooms to Council Chambers

Dr. Nevárez Martínez brings substantial policy expertise to the campaign from her role as an assistant professor in MSU’s Urban and Regional Planning Program and as core faculty in Chicano/Latino Studies. With a Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine, she specializes in housing precarity, homelessness, and the criminalization of poverty—research areas that resonate deeply with Lansing’s current urban challenges. 

“Growing up in migrant camps,” she reflects, “I understand firsthand the precarity and inequity many families face. Now, I want to help shape inclusive policies that address those challenges.” 

Dr. Nevárez Martínez’s work extends beyond the university. As founder of the HOPE (Housing, Organizing, Policy, and Equity) Housing Justice Lab at MSU, she leads interdisciplinary research aimed at dismantling structural barriers to housing access. She’s also lent her expertise to state agencies, like Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, on updating outdated migrant housing standards. 

Serving on the School Board

In September 2023, the Lansing School District Board of Education appointed Dr. Nevárez Martínez to fill a vacancy. Board leadership praised her policy expertise, passion for equity, and dedication to community—qualities she continues to exemplify in her current role as Secretary of the board. 

Her time on the board has strengthened her commitment to equity in schooling and demonstrated her capacity for governance and collaboration at the local level.

Endorsements and Electability

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee recently endorsed Dr. Nevárez Martínez as part of its “pro-growth” slate. The chamber cited her expertise in urban planning, commitment to inclusive development, and ability to foster smart policy as key reasons for their backing. 

Campaign Message & Vision

In her campaign messaging, Dr. Nevárez Martínez emphasizes that City Council wields significant power over budgeting, land use, zoning, and development—areas that have direct effects on Lansing’s affordability and livability. She frames her dual identity as scholar and mother, a daughter of immigrants, as foundational to her mission: to uplift working families, renters, and young people who often feel sidelined in local politics. 

“I bring both lived experience and policy expertise,” she says. “When council votes on budgets or zoning changes, they must reflect the needs of neighborhoods, not just developers.” 

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CAMP Director Luis Garcia said the decision has left students, families, and staff deeply concerned.

“Well, the recruitment we primarily do is from Michigan, but also from feeder states like Florida, Texas, and California,” Garcia explained. “The bulk of our students come from Michigan. A lot of these families work here during the season and return south in the winter. That’s the connection to Michigan.”

Garcia emphasized that MSU’s support for farmworker students has long been central to its mission as a land-grant institution. “If you look at CAMP students or farmworker students, they’re the core of what Michigan State University is about. Our first reason for existing was agriculture,” he said.

Still, Garcia acknowledged that misconceptions about the term “migrant” complicate public understanding of the program. “When we say migrant, you and I understand that as people moving from one state to another following the crops. But the general public often assumes these are international students here illegally. In fact, in order to participate in CAMP, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents,” he said.

Parents of current CAMP students have already expressed fears about the program’s future. “Some parents asked me if they should tell their daughter to pack her clothes and come home,” Garcia said. “I had to explain, no, MSU is covering this academic year. We’re looking at future years after this one.”

University officials confirmed that the administration has committed to funding CAMP for one year despite the budget cut, giving students security through the current academic cycle. Looking ahead, MSU is seeking community support to keep the program alive by accepting financial contributions to the Migrant Student Services Endowment Fund.

The program’s fate is now tied to shifting university priorities under new leadership. “As soon as the President (Trump) came in, it was clear he wanted things aligned with his way and his priorities. 

“We’re evidently not a priority,” Garcia said. “It’s really interesting because we’re talking about the people who help feed America. And to say they’re not a priority—I don’t understand that.”

Garcia said that while the university is exploring options to secure funding, outside support will be critical to keeping CAMP alive. “Any money we take in right now, people that want to donate, it’s really going for student support,” he said. “The ones that are going to survive are the ones that get institutional support. And I’ll be real clear with you: I plan on surviving here. We’re moving, we’re shaking every tree to see what we can do to get support.”

Despite the setback, Garcia remains optimistic that the community will rally around the program. “I think there are a lot of good people out there that understand what we do, they appreciate it, and are going to be supportive of this.”

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Directed by Ernesto Todd Mireles, War of the Flea captures the real-life struggle of Xicano students at Michigan State University who, through the grassroots efforts of the Movimiento Estudiantil Xicano de Aztlán (MEXA), fought to establish a Xicano/Latino Studies program on campus.

The film documents a modern-day David vs. Goliath battle, as students faced institutional resistance, political pushback, and coordinated efforts to silence their voices. Despite these challenges, their commitment to cultural self-determination and academic equity never wavered.

The screening will be followed by a community discussion with Mireles, offering deeper insight into the movement and its lasting impact on both education and identity.

The event is free and open to the public, inviting students, educators, activists, and community members to engage in an evening of film, resistance, and dialogue.

For those interested in social justice, ethnic studies, and grassroots organizing, War of the Flea is a must-see.

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Latino Caucus Chairman Angel Gomez organized the meeting and reviewed an online survey he created. The questionnaire is gathering input from Latinos in Saginaw and surrounding areas. Gomez, standing before the group in a green T-shirt, also laid out his vision for building Latino political power and increasing voter participation.

Community concerns about immigration and racial profiling were voiced by Alberto Teneyuque, who pointed to his own skin tone as an example. “Brown-skinned people are targeted by the current presidential administration and ICE,” he said. “This country needs Latinos and others being deported.”

Bobby DeLeon, president of the Mexican American Council, Inc., known in the community as “The MAC,”shared his motivation for supporting the Saginaw Democratic Party, calling these time as “critical to the survival of the Latino community, especially youth.”

Saginaw County Clerk Vanessa Guerra joined the discussion, offering ideas to better connect with and engage Latino residents. Former Bridgeport Superintendent Ricardo Medina also attended, adding his perspective on education and civic involvement.

Organizers said the meeting marked the beginning of a sustained effort to amplify Latino voices in local politics, with plans for continued outreach and community engagement in the months ahead.

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One of the most high-profile races is unfolding in Detroit, where Gabriela Santiago-Romero, currently serving on the Detroit City Council, will face State Rep. Tyrone Carter. Santiago-Romero avoided a primary challenge but now steps into a heavyweight general election contest. She first made her mark in 2016 by defeating Hector Santiago with a decisive 5,922 to 2,028 victory. Carter, a seasoned lawmaker, drew 18,726 votes in last year’s general election for his State House seat. Both campaigns are expected to raise more than $150,000, making voter turnout and effective mobilization critical for a November win.

Also in Detroit, Rogelio Landin has entered the mayor’s race as a write-in candidate. While write-in campaigns face steep organizational challenges, Landin’s candidacy adds another Latino voice to Detroit’s political conversation, ensuring Hispanic voters and issues important to the community have visibility in the city’s top race.

In East Lansing, Joshua Ramirez-Roberts is vying for one of two at-large City Council seats. Out of six candidates, Ramirez-Roberts faces a steep climb; in his previous bid, he finished sixth with 948 votes. In that race, the lowest vote-getter to still earn a seat was Erik Altmann, who garnered 2,327 votes. For Ramirez-Roberts, tripling past support may be necessary to break through in a competitive field.

The Lansing City Council At-Large race also features strong Latino contenders. The top four finishers from the primary now advance to fight for two seats. Current councilmember Jeremy A. Garza led the field with 5,326 votes, followed closely by Julie Vandenboom (4,625) and Clara Martinez (4,622), with Aurelius Christian in fourth (2,531). Past results suggest that winning in November will require surpassing the 8,000-vote mark; in 2023, Tamera Carter won with 8,663 votes and Trini Lopez Pehlivanoglu secured her seat with 8,424. With 87,940 registered voters in Lansing, turnout will be a decisive factor.

In Lansing’s Ward 2 race, Deyanira Nevarez Martinez faces off against Erik Almquist. Historically, victories in this ward have required between 2,360 and 2,847 votes. Averaging recent election results suggests that roughly 2,167 votes could be enough to win in a head-to-head matchup.

Further south, in Taylor, Amira Garza emerged as the top vote-getter in the City Treasurer primary, earning 2,507 votes to Nicone Dragone’s 1,750. While Garza is new to candidacy, she is no stranger to public service through her community involvement and her husband, Alex Garza, who serves on the Wayne County Commission representing District 14.

These races underscore the growing presence and political influence of Latino candidates in Michigan’s local elections. As these campaigns shift into high gear, their success will hinge not only on fundraising but also on energizing their base and appealing to broader constituencies.

If you know of additional Hispanic or Latino candidates running for office in Michigan this year, please share their names with La Prensa Latina Lansing News Wire. We may feature them in an upcoming edition as we continue tracking Latino leadership on the rise across the state.

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DETROIT — Running as a write-in candidate in the upcoming mayoral race, longtime community activist Rogelio Landin is proposing an ambitious reimagining of Detroit—coined “Detroit 2.0.” At the heart of his platform is a sweeping annexation plan to absorb 28 distressed communities in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, aiming to reverse population decline and bolster the city’s economic future. 

A Vision of Growth: “More Is More”

Landin frames annexation not as a mere political maneuver but as a strategy to “generate more resources” and restore Detroit’s vibrancy. “Detroit has lost 20,000 people annually over the past 50 years,” he notes, pointing to projections that the regional population will swell by 650,000 immigrants by 2050. He argues that expanding the city boundaries is essential to tapping into that growth. 

On his campaign site, “Detroit 2.0” is described as delivering “enhanced, proven solutions to generating more.” 

Building on Lifelong

Community Engagement

A Detroit native and Cass Technical High School graduate, Landin brings decades of civic involvement to his campaign. He was an early member of the New Detroit coalition following the 1967 uprising, working to foster economic development, equity, and inclusion. His experience includes advising on neighborhood benefits for major developers, leading local chapters of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and advocating for bilingual education during the pivotal Milliken v. Bradley desegregation case. 

Policy Priorities Beyond Boundaries

In addition to annexation, Landin supports bringing Detroit Public Schools under mayoral control, linking entrepreneurs to venture capital, and launching a World Trade Center to attract business. 

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