Meet Willie E. Burton

Candidate for Detroit City Council – District 5
Current Detroit Police Commissioner, District 5

A Voice for Justice. A Record of Results. A Vision for the People.

Willie E. Burton is a lifelong Detroiter and public servant who made history as the youngest Police Commissioner in the United States. Elected by the people of Detroit’s Fifth District, Willie has spent years fighting for accountability, safety, and opportunity in every neighborhood—and now he’s running to represent District 5 on Detroit City Council.

Burton believes that public money should serve the public good, not corporate profits. He’s a tireless advocate for working families, union labor, small businesses, and communities too long overlooked by City Hall.

Proven Leadership on the Police Commission

• Approved the rollout of body-worn cameras citywide, ensuring both police and residents are protected by an unbiased record of events.
• Backed Project Green Light, expanding real-time crime prevention at over 310 local businesses.
• Fought for fair pay: Increased officer starting salaries from $31,000 to $37,000, with a 4% raise and tuition reimbursement for officers.
• Launched the Fight Crime, Grow Jobs Initiative, supporting 700+ small businesses and connecting youth to apprenticeships and internships.
• Championed gun safety by distributing 1,000 free gun locks in all 12 precincts.
• Created the Mental Health Task Force with Wayne State University to address Detroit’s mental health crisis.

A Bold Agenda for City Council

As Council Member for District 5, Willie will fight for:

• Tax and social justice that prioritizes residents over corporations
• More affordable housing to stop displacement
• Affordable water rates—because water is a human right
• Better public transit for all Detroiters
• Reopening mental health facilities closed under Governor Engler’s failed policies
• Returning power to the people through transparent, community-first governance

Detroit Deserves Better. Let’s Build It Together.

From police reform to job creation, from affordable housing to public safety, Willie E. Burton is ready to bring bold, accountable leadership to City Council—the kind that fights for all Detroiters.

Public money for public good. People over profit.
Vote Willie E. Burton for Detroit City Council – District 5.

Endorsements

• Dr. Cornel West
• The Detroit Free Press
• The Detroit News
• The Detroit Police Officers Association
• Detroit Police Lieutenants & Sergeants Association
• Teamsters (Joint Council 43 & Local 299)
• Former Speaker Joe Tate
• Travis Reece (Detroit Lions)
• “Freeway Ricky” Ross
• The Renaissance Observer
• Communities Voice Slate
• Detroit Native Sun Newspaper
• Obama Grassroots Walkers
• Former Sheriff and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano
• Detroit novelist Omari Bayi
• Former DPS Board President Juvette Hawkins-Williams
• Retired DPS Superintendent Dr. John Telford
• Political director of the Michigan National Action Network (NAN) Sam Riddle
• Metropolitan Detroit NAN Vice President Lory Parks
• Detroit UIN DETIPTV CEO Tim Moore
• D. Eta Wilcoxin
• Founding District 4 Community Advisory Council member Scotty Boman
• Former Police Commissioner Bill Davis
• Detroit After Party

The New District 5

The City of Detroit has now posted the new official District maps.