Detroiters’ optimism about city tied to likelihood of voting in mayoral election, U-M survey finds - Detroit Metro Times

Detroit's residents are cautiously optimistic about the city's direction, with those who believe it's moving in the right track more likely to vote in next week's mayoral election. According to a University of Michigan survey, 56% of Detroiters think the city is headed in the right direction, while 13% believe it's on the wrong track and 31% are unsure.

Interestingly, residents' optimism about the city's direction is closely tied to their likelihood of voting. A staggering 70% of those who believe the city is moving in the right track said they will "definitely" vote, compared to just 41% of those who think it's on the wrong track and 52% of those unsure.

Demographically, older, higher-income, and more educated residents are far more likely to express optimism about the city's direction. Nearly 80% of Detroiters with household incomes above $100,000 said the city is on the right track, compared to just 35% of those earning under $10,000.

Age was also a strong predictor of voter participation in the survey. Residents over 65 were more than twice as likely to say they will definitely vote compared to those under 35. Similarly, residents with college degrees and higher incomes were more likely to express optimism about the city's direction.

However, there are significant differences in voter enthusiasm across demographics. Latino Detroiters were far less likely to say they'll definitely vote (27%), compared to 65% of Black residents and 64% of white residents. Women also rated safety and affordability as higher priorities than men.

When asked about their top priorities for the next mayor, residents pointed overwhelmingly to education, public safety, affordable housing, and jobs. Infrastructure, business investment, and public transportation were also key issues, with more than 60% of residents calling them high priorities.

The survey highlights both progress and persistent divides across the city. According to University of Michigan sociology and public policy professor Jeffrey Morenoff, "We see notable differences by age, race, and city council district, which underscore the importance of capturing the diversity of Detroiters' views."

Overall, the findings suggest that Detroiters' optimism about the city's direction is closely tied to their likelihood of voting. As the city moves forward with its next mayor, it will be crucial to address the persistent divides and concerns that are evident in this survey.

Detroit's future looks bright if people show up ! 70% of optimists say they'll vote, but 27% of Latinos won't... something needs to change

I'm not surprised, but I am kinda amused that people think their vote will magically fix all Detroit's problems. Like, we've been trying to fix the city for decades now . On a more serious note, it's weird that education is everyone's top priority – maybe they're just hoping their kid won't have to move to suburbs to get a good school . And seriously though, affordable housing and jobs should be a no-brainer for any city, but I guess Detroit still has some work to do .

I think what's really cool about this survey is how it shows that Detroiters' optimism is not just a feel-good thing, but actually tied to their likelihood of showing up to vote . It makes sense, because if you believe in the city's direction, you're more likely to want to be part of making that happen. And what's interesting is how different demographics are weighing in on this - like how older folks and those with college degrees are super optimistic .

But at the same time, there are some pretty significant disparities here . Like, did you know that Latino Detroiters are like 40% less likely to say they'll definitely vote compared to Black residents? That's a huge difference, right there . And on top of it, women are prioritizing safety and affordability way more than men .

I think what this survey is really telling us is that Detroit needs to be a city where everyone feels like they can participate and have their voice heard . That means addressing those persistent divides and concerns, whether it's education, public safety, affordable housing, or jobs . And I think that's something that the next mayor should definitely take note of

I'm telling you, 56% think the city is headed in the right track? That's like when I was growing up and my friends thought we were going to save the world with our mixtapes ! Detroit's always had a special place in my heart, but it's crazy how much it's changed. Now, those who are older, making more money, and educated... they're all so optimistic about the future. Reminds me of when I was studying for my exams and I thought I knew it all . But, what's with the differences in voter enthusiasm? It's like, we need to listen to everyone's concerns, not just those who are feeling hopeful . And, education, public safety, affordable housing... that's like when I was trying to figure out how to use a flip phone . Simple stuff, but it matters!

I feel like detroiters r finally startin 2 see some real change comin thru . I mean, 56% think the city's headed in the right direction? That's like, a whole lotta optimism . And its good 2 see that demographically, ppl who are more educated and high-income are more likely 2 be optimistic... it just goes 2 show u need investment n resources 2 make a real difference .

but at the same time, i'm like, what about the 13% who think the city's on the wrong track? that's like, half the ppl . and its sad 2 see that latino detroiters are less likely 2 vote... that just feels like a major oversight .

anywayz, it's good 2 hear that education, public safety, affordable housing n jobs r top priorities 4 the next mayor . cuz if u can fix those things, i feel like u can start buildin a better future 4 detroit

I'm thinking detroit is still got a long way to go to get everyone on the same page. all these demographics have different views on what's working and what's not, and it's crazy how age can affect voting plans lol 70% of seniors are gonna vote yay! but at the same time latino residents are like 27% less likely to even bother. education public safety housing jobs that makes sense but infrastructure business investment transportation stuff is also super important imo

Detroiters think they're makin progress but what about those who ain't gettin a cut from the new developments? They might still be struggling, livin on minimal wage & having nowhere to afford . The fact that 70% of optimistic folks are gonna vote but only 27% of latinos will...that's just not right . What about creatin some real change for all Detroiters, not just the ones who got a leg up?

"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When Detroit needs a new mayor, vote for one! "

meh, detroit's residents seem pretty hopeful about the city's future, but like, when do we expect actual change? 56% think it's headed in the right direction is cool, but what does that even mean? where's the concrete evidence of progress? and why are those with more resources (higher income, college degree) so darn optimistic? feels like they're already on the inside track

I'm tellin' ya, back in my day we didn't know what a "city council district" was , but I guess that's just progress, right? Anyway, it's kinda crazy how much optimism there is about Detroit's direction now - 56% of people think they're on the right track, which is pretty cool. But at the same time, you got these huge disparities across demographics - like Latino folks are way less likely to vote if they think the city is headed in the wrong direction .

It's also interesting that education, public safety, and affordable housing are all top priorities for Detroiters, which I can definitely get behind . But what really gets me is how much of a difference age makes - like, if you're over 65, you're basically guaranteed to vote . And on the other hand, younger folks and those with college degrees are way more likely to be unsure about the city's direction .

Overall, I think this survey highlights some pretty interesting trends in Detroit, but also just shows how much work there is still to be done .

I think Detroit's residents are feeling hopeful about the city's future, but there's still a lot of uncertainty . The fact that older, wealthier folks are way more optimistic than younger or lower-income ones is pretty telling . And I'm surprised to hear that Latino Detroiters are less likely to show up to vote – it's like they're not being heard . But on the other hand, education and public safety seem to be top priorities for most residents . Maybe the next mayor can really make a difference by listening to everyone's concerns ?

you know I think its kinda cool how optimistic most detroiters r about there city's future... like 56% think its headed in the right direction which is pretty amazing considering all the challenges the city has faced in the past. but at the same time, theres still some pretty big divides among residents especially when it comes to age, income level, and even demographics like latino vs black residents. its clear that if we wanna see real progress, were gonna need to address those gaps and make sure everyone's voice is being heard

Detroit's got some good vibes going on right now , but you can tell there's still a long way to go. I mean, 56% think the city is headed in the right direction? That's awesome, but it's like, what about those who don't feel that way? What about the ones who are struggling to make ends meet or living on the streets? It's all about representation and making sure everyone's voice is heard. I love that education, public safety, affordable housing, and jobs are at the top of people's priority lists - that's what we need to focus on. And yeah, it's great to see those who are optimistic and engaged, but what about the ones who aren't? We gotta make sure we're working towards a city where everyone feels seen and heard .

I'm not sure I buy all this optimism about Detroit's direction . Like, yeah, education and public safety are key, but let's be real, we're talking about a city with some serious infrastructure woes . And what about the fact that residents under 35 are like, super disengaged from voting? It feels like they're not even seeing the benefits of all the progress being made . And don't even get me started on the income disparity - it's crazy that people making six figures are way more optimistic than those struggling to make ends meet . Maybe instead of just focusing on voting, we should be talking about how to make the city's priorities more inclusive for everyone .

I'm so glad to see that Detroiters are feeling hopeful about their city's future! 56% thinking things are on the right track is a great start. But what really caught my attention is how demographics play such a big role in shaping those views... like, it's crazy that people making over $100k are so much more optimistic than those struggling to make ends meet . And let's talk about voter enthusiasm - only 27% of Latinos saying they'll definitely vote? That breaks my heart . We need to do better, especially when it comes to representation and resources for all communities. Education, public safety, affordable housing, and jobs are top priorities... those are some things we can get behind!

I'm thinking that if they can get those neighborhoods all fixed up, like Flint and stuff , people might actually start moving back into the city. It's crazy how much of a difference education makes - I mean, I remember when I was in school, we had to rely on the library for research, not like now where you just Google it on your phone . And I'm surprised no one is mentioning how important affordable housing is, considering all those people who are still living in shelters...

I think it's awesome how many people in Detroit are feeling hopeful about their city ! I mean, 56% is a pretty solid number considering everything they're going through, you know? And the fact that younger voters are actually more optimistic than older ones? That's like, totally refreshing . I'm not surprised to see demographics playing a big role in all this - education and income level do seem to make a difference. But what I love most is how everyone's got their own priorities for the next mayor - affordable housing, jobs, and public safety are all top of mind . It's like, people just want things to get better, you know? And that's totally something we can get behind !

I can totally feel the uncertainty and hope for change in Detroit right now... 56% thinking the city's moving in the right direction is a pretty big number! It makes sense that those who believe it is would be more likely to vote, but it also shows how much of an impact education, public safety, and affordable housing can have on people's optimism. The fact that women are prioritizing safety and affordability over men is really interesting too... maybe we can learn from that?

I think it's awesome that most people are optimistic about Detroit's future . It's like they're all thinking 'okay, we've got some problems, but we can tackle them'. And honestly, 56% is a pretty decent number for a city to be headed in the right direction . I mean, sure, there are still some major issues like affordable housing and education, but it's all about finding solutions, right? The fact that women are prioritizing safety over other things is also super interesting - I guess they're just really down-to-earth people . Overall, it's all good vibes for Detroit, and I'm sure the next mayor will make some awesome changes .