Stephen Wallace, Ginger Root Policy Lead Budget season in Detroit should be one of the most important times for residents to shape the future of our city. It’s when decisions are made about what—and who—we prioritize. After all, we all want Detroit to be a place where working families and neighborhoods feel safe and can thrive for generations to come. But for many working-class Detroiters, the process feels rushed, opaque, and, at times, predetermined. When people believe their voices don’t influence outcomes, they stop showing up. Consider the timeline. Detroit’s fiscal year begins January 1. The first public hearing this