Gilbert and Duggan on Detroit’s Future (Plus Our Small Business Saturday Plans)

In this pre-Thanksgiving Daily Detroit episode, host Jer Staes and co-host Norris Howard unpack a rare, candid conversation between Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Rocket Companies founder Dan Gilbert about the future of Detroit and Michigan.

The episode recaps key moments from their fireside chat, including Duggan’s plan to run for governor as an independent and why housing affordability and neighborhood stability are at the center of his statewide agenda. Listeners get context on how zoning reform, smaller-scale multi-family housing like duplexes and triplexes, and smarter land use could reshape Detroit’s housing market and help grow population again.

Jer and Norris also connect the dots between transit, density, and long-term economic growth in Metro Detroit. They dig into the lingering “chicken or egg” dilemma of transit and population, argue why reliable public transportation is still the missing half of Detroit’s comeback story, and explore the political and financial realities that shape big regional investments.

The conversation touches on land value tax efforts in Lansing, what they meant to Duggan’s agenda, and how state-level decisions filter down to everyday life in the city’s neighborhoods.

After the policy and big-picture segment, the episode shifts gears into a fast-paced guide to Small Business Saturday across Metro Detroit. Jer and Norris share where they’re shopping, eating, and exploring this holiday weekend, from Merry in Midtown to indie makers and markets around Ferndale and beyond. They highlight why spending locally matters, how independent retailers and bars give Detroit its character, and why this season is crucial for small businesses still navigating economic uncertainty. Holiday traditions, a shout about not ringing the bell at the Two Way Inn unless you’re really ready to give, and a reminder to support your neighborhood spots round out the show.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Detroit’s political future, housing and transit policy, and practical ideas for how to support local businesses and culture right now.