Countless media organizations and journalists attend the Mackinac Policy Conference to gain a better understanding of what business, nonprofit and political leaders are doing to try to improve the state.

Annalise Frank, a reporter covering Detroit for Axios, is among them. She joined The Metro to talk about the Detroit mayoral debate planned for Thursday night and what else she is covering at this year’s conference.

There will be five candidates participating in tomorrow’s debate, including Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, Former Detroit City Council President Saunteel Jenkins, Detroit Councilman Fred Durhal III, Detroit pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr., and former Detroit Police Chief James Craig.

She says she is hoping to get a sense of what business and philanthropic and political leaders want to see from Detroit’s next leader.

“Mayor Mike Duggan is not running for reelection, so it’s kind of a new time for Detroit next year,” she said. “So what are the policy priorities; how do we grow population in Detroit; how do we improve neighborhood corridors — there’s just so much to talk about and limited funding to do it.”

WDET’s Jenny Sherman contributed to this report.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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