FROM THE DESK OF MAYOR GLENDA McDONALD
Dear Highland Parkers,
Together, we have made so much progress. Together, let’s keep moving forward. While I am proud to highlight our proven record of transformative leadership that has delivered measurable progress in infrastructure, public safety, and economic development – we have more to do.
When I took office, Highland Park faced serious challenges—but we refused to accept decline as our destiny. Together, we chose progress over paralysis, accountability over excuses, and action over empty promises. The results speak for themselves.
Water Infrastructure: $100 Million Victory for Public Health
We secured $100 million from the State of Michigan to overhaul the city's water infrastructure—the largest investment in the city's water system in decades. This historic achievement included paying off a crippling $58 million debt, replacing dangerous lead service lines that threatened children's health, and installing master meters to ensure accurate, fair billing. These critical improvements protected public health and prevented a devastating levy on residents' homes, delivering both safety and financial relief to Highland Park families.
Public Safety: Real Investment, Real Results
We made public safety a top priority, and the outcomes are undeniable. The city now operates a fully staffed Fire Department with full-time firefighters, hired six MCOLES-certified police officers, added three reserve officers and two Public Safety Assistants, re-established community policing, and brought on a mental health social worker to support both residents and first responders. These investments have saved lives: violent crime dropped dramatically, from 10 homicides since I took office to just 3 in 2025—a 70% reduction that reflects a city reclaiming its safety and peace of mind.
Economic Development: Building a Foundation for Growth
My administration's strategic approach to economic development has positioned our city long-term growth. Milestones we've achieved include:
-
Formed a steering committee with the State, County, MEDC, McKenna, SEMCOG and others
-
Created & adopted a new Economic Development Strategy
-
Updated our Master Land Use Plan
-
Developed a Strategic Housing Framework Policy
Along with these planning efforts, we have $5 Million worth of residential, commercial, & industrial demolition underway; and $135M investment in new and improved housing rehab projects.
Quality of Life: Investing in Community
Beyond the major initiatives, we have prioritized everyday quality of life. The city secured nearly $1 million for Recreation Center upgrades, launched a hot meal program for seniors, and completed a one-mile stretch of the Joe Louis Greenway in collaboration with the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership—expanding green space and recreational opportunities for all residents. City services were strengthened through the hiring of four new DPW workers and a state grant for new snow removal trucks, ensuring more reliable & responsive service delivery.
Public Lighting
Keeping our streets illuminated at night is a first priority for public safety. I'm happy to share that we have made great progress on this intitiative .Through partnerships with Soulidarity and Solartronic, the city installed ten solar -powered streetlights (with another 50 scheduled to be installed by summer 2026). We will continue to invest in making our streets well lit and welcoming for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
Highland Park, together we can keep moving forward!
Highland Park is no longer defined by what it used to be—we are building what it will become. A safer city. A stronger economy. A more vibrant community. I am running for reelection to finish what we started and to continue fighting for every resident, every business, and every family that calls Highland Park home.
I humbly ask for your vote on August 4, 2026. I am committed to earning your trust and your vote for another term. This next term will reaffirm my commitment to transparency, collaboration, and sustained investment in Highland Park's future, pledging to build on the momentum of measurable progress with bold vision and unwavering accountability.
Sincerely,
Glenda McDonald
Mayor Glenda McDonald
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Let us know how you would like to help:
Fundraising
Door Knocking
Volunteering
Phone Banking
Campaign Office
Poll Work
Send us a message using the convenient form or send an email to: info@McDonaldforHPMayor.com and we will reply promptly.
Call us at 313-329-0416
Follow us on Facebook
