Written by Tanya Terry, with photos by Tanya Terry
The South Side City of Hope and the Woodrow Stanley Black Leaders Forum hosted a Flint Mayoral Candidates Forum on June 24, 2026, at the Brennan Senior Center. Royce Stephens, president of the Genesee County Democratic Black Caucus, moderated the forum featuring three mayoral candidates: 6th Ward City Councilwoman Tonya Burns, Micaiah Owns and Roshanda Womack.
The candidates discussed their visions for addressing Flint’s critical challenges including public safety, water infrastructure, economic development and youth services.
Burns emphasized implementing a comprehensive public safety plan she has created, neighborhood revitalization and restoring trust in government through transparency. Burns has a professional background primarily rooted in private business, entrepreneurship and community activism. She highlighted her commitment to creating safe recreational spaces for youth.
“It’s time for a positive change,” said Burns. “It’s time that we begin to be able to trust our local government, and time to bring trust and confidence back to our city.”
Owens focused on job creation as a priority, noting that Flint has lost population and economic opportunity since the 1950s and 1980s when it was a prosperous manufacturing hub. He advocated for attracting businesses through direct telephone outreach and ensuring young people have access to quality employment.
“I am someone who believes in the greatness of Michigan,” said Owens. “All the time I was growing up in southwest Kalamazoo, I would hear about the jobs in Flint. And that’s something we just don’t have anymore.”
Womack stressed the need for a comprehensive community safety initiative addressing underlying causes of violence including poverty, trauma and mental health issues. She proposed establishing a youth city council, supporting small business development through funding and reducing red tape.
“My campaign is rooted and grounded in three principles transparency, integrity and unity,” stated Womack.” I would love the opportunity to serve as mayor of the city of Flint so that I can begin to address some of the systemic problems that we face at a time to poverty and racism in my community.”
All candidates addressed the water crisis, emphasizing the need to complete service line replacements and ensure safe drinking water.
Regarding data centers, the candidates expressed caution, with Womack supporting the city council’s twelve-month moratorium to study potential impacts. Burns and Owens also advocated for careful evaluation of environmental and health effects before proceeding.
The candidates unanimously stressed the importance of collaboration between the mayor’s office and city council, community engagement and building trust with residents to address systemic issues facing Flint.
A representative from the office of Mayor Sheldon Neeley, who is running to maintain his position as mayor, told the Courier Neeley was unable to attend the forum due to another responsibility.
