Ann Arbor Times

Detroiters have identified the cost of living and inflation as their primary concerns for U.S. government action, according to a recent report from the University of Michigan’s Detroit Metro Area Communities Study (DMACS), supported by Poverty Solutions. This finding comes as Michigan is set to play a crucial role in the 2024 presidential election.

The DMACS survey, conducted in partnership with Outlier Media, gathered responses from 1,100 Detroit residents in April regarding their voting intentions and governmental priorities for 2024. The survey utilized open-ended questions to allow residents to express their views freely. Results were weighted to accurately reflect Detroit's population.

The report reveals that 20% of Detroit households cited cost of living and inflation as one of their top two priorities for federal government officials. Respondents specifically called for measures to "bring prices back down," "regulate the price of food, gas, utilities," and "lower prices on groceries and gas."

Crime and safety emerged as the second most frequently mentioned issue, with 14.8% of respondents listing it among their top two priorities. Health care was the third priority, highlighted by 14.5% of participants who stressed the need for “universal health care,” “great health care for all without red tape,” and better mental health support.

“Detroit is the largest city in Michigan and will have significant influence over the state’s election outcomes for the presidential race as well as filling the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Debbie Stabenow,” said Mara Ostfeld, a faculty lead for DMACS. “It’s crucial to understand what Detroiters are looking for from the federal government right now.”

The survey also uncovered significant differences in issue prioritization across ethnoracial groups. Cost of living and inflation topped concerns among Black (20%) and Latino Detroiters (26%), compared to only 11% of white residents who primarily focused on health care (24%). Health care was also a priority for 23% of Latino residents but only 12% among Black residents.

“Detroiters want neighborhood sustainability, economic development, and a say in their communities. The federal government has an obligation to be responsive to the clear priorities laid out by Detroit residents,” stated Donna Givens Davidson, president and CEO of Eastside Community Network.

Income levels did not significantly alter concern about cost of living; higher-income households were equally likely to prioritize this issue as lower-income ones. However, there were variations concerning other issues such as homelessness: 11% of those earning less than $30,000 annually cited it as a top concern versus just 4% among those earning more than $30,000.

Crime and safety along with quality jobs were less prioritized by higher-income groups compared to lower-income counterparts.

Age-wise analysis showed equal shares (14%) among those aged 65 or older prioritizing border policy alongside health care, crime safety, and cost-of-living issues while younger demographics underlined cost-of-living more prominently—23% under age 40; 21%, ages 40-64.