Highland Park voters have a choice in the 2026 election: Keep the mayor they have or elect a new one.

Incumbent Glenda McDonald won the August primary election and is seeking another four-year term. Her opponent is community activist and Avalon Village developer Shamayim “Mama Shu” Harris.

McDonald says she’s running because she and her team have more work to do.

“There are some things we need to complete, which includes our water infrastructure,” she says.

The State of Michigan gave the city $100 million to replace lead service lines and repair leaks in its aging pipes. Those leaks have been a major reason why Highland Park’s water bills were so high for many years. It’s also why the city once owed millions of dollars to the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA).

McDonald says securing that money has been her biggest accomplishment so far.

“Children do not have to worry anymore about lead in their water because all of those (lead lines) are being replaced,” she says.

WDET’s Pat Batcheller spoke with the mayor about that and other reasons why she’s running.

To hear the conversation, click the audio player at the top of the post.

Early in the interview, McDonald discussed an on-going dispute with the Great Lakes Water Authority. She said that Highland Park has been overcharged by GLWA by around $1.5 million in Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) cost.

GLWA sent this in response: 

GLWA continues to follow the agreements entered into by the parties in 2024, including Highland Park’s wastewater disposal services contract, which establishes requirements for CSO cost allocation and wastewater treatment services.

The current CSO cost allocation methodology originated in a 1999 rate settlement agreement and has been carried forward through subsequent federal orders and agreements, including contracts with GLWA’s member partner communities.

In response to Highland Park’s concerns, GLWA formed a CSO Cost Pool Task Force, comprised of member partner communities, including Highland Park, to conduct a technical review of the allocation methodology. The Task Force met regularly between March and July 2026 but was unable to reach agreement on a revised methodology.

GLWA disagrees that an adjustment to Highland Park’s charges is appropriate under the existing agreements. While GLWA remains committed to working collaboratively with its member partner communities, including Highland Park, to address concerns related to charges and billing, the parties have agreed to resolve their outstanding disputes through arbitration. GLWA looks forward to a timely and final resolution through that process.

Updated at 3:55 p.m. to include statement by GLWA

DDOT bus riders will soon have more places to sit as they wait for a ride.

Mayor Mary Sheffield says the city will work to install more than 200 new benches at bus stops over the next year. Workers will also install or upgrade more than 200 bus shelters to improve customer service.

Additional Headlines for Tuesday, Sep. 29, 2026

Detroit Legacy Business Grant applications closing soon

Applications close soon for the Detroit Legacy Business Grant.

Small businesses that have operated in the city for 30 years or more can apply for grants ranging from $5 to $50,000. Money can be toward projects including signage, inventory, building repairs, renovations and professional services.

Applications close Oct. 5. For more information, email DetroitLegacyBusiness@degc.org. 

Ives Field restoration celebrated in Highland Park

Highland Park leaders celebrated the revival of Ives Field today. The city used almost $1 million in state and county funds to install new playground equipment, a pickleball court, a covered picnic shelter, and improvements to the baseball field and walking path.

Mayor Glenda McDonald and others cut the ribbon at the park on Pitkin Street this afternoon. 

Volunteers wanted on Halloween in Chandler Park

The Chandler Park Conservancy is looking for a few good hands to help with its Halloween Night festivities.

The annual Trunk or Treat Halloween Party will be held at the Chandler Park Fieldhouse and include games, candy, food and Halloween activities.

Volunteers, candy donations and people willing to pass out candy from their own decorated vehicles are needed. Donations are being accepted at the Fieldhouse at 12300 Chandler Park and at the Samaritan Center at 555 Conner Street until Oct. 28. 

Those interested in volunteering can email aallen@chandlerparkconservancy.org or fill out this form.

Ethiopian cooking classes continue in Midtown

Konjo Me is offering another round of Ethiopian cooking classes. Participants will learn to cook an authentic vegetarian dish, an authentic meat dish and will learn about Ethiopian spices and cooking techniques.

The class is Thursday, Oct. 15 at Konjo Me’s Detroit Shipping Company location at 474 Peterboro. Registration for the event can be found here.

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