HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – Residents of Highland Park will gather at Faith Tabernacle Church, on Wednesday, to hear Mayor Glenda McDonald deliver her State of the City address.
The city, located about six miles north of downtown Detroit is one some neighbors refer to Highland Park as a “municipality in motion,” a sentiment echoed by Mayor McDonald.
“A city in motion means that we’re moving. We’re consistently moving. We’re moving things from one place to the other,” Mayor McDonald stated.
With an influx of new residents, McDonald said she will emphasize the need to focus on rebuilding parts of the city. During her State of the City address, she plans to discuss community and economic development initiatives.
“If there’s no development, it’s stagnated. We are right now at the point where we need to grow. We need to grow in housing. We need to grow in businesses. We need to grow in mixed use,” the mayor explained.
Growth in Highland Park also demands the need for updated infrastructure. Mayor McDonald will address the ongoing progress with DTE Energy in installing new gas lines and sidewalks, as well as contractors replacing old water and lead lines.
“They’re replacing all of the lead lines in the city,” McDonald explained. “Yes, it’s going to take a minute, and I know it’s going to be uncomfortable. But once the finished product is done, we should be able to move forward.”
Lighting and safety have been ongoing concerns for community members, especially since streetlights were removed in 2012. Mayor McDonald plans to tackle these issues head-on.
“We are working with DTE, and they are looking to see how they can help us with solar in the community,” she said.
Additionally, the mayor said Highland Park is collaborating with Soulardarity and Solartronics, a manufacturing company that is donating 50 new solar lights to the city.
Mayor McDonald said she plans to discuss a range of other issues. When asked about her approach to the address, Mayor McDonald stated, “Yes. Just pretty much letting them know exactly what’s going on. Giving them some hope. And asking them for just a little patience so that we can get this job done.”
The 2025 Highland Park State of the City Address begins at 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Faith Tabernacle Church, located at 16548 Hamilton Avenue, Highland Park, MI 48203.
