Derek Dobies is the current Mayor of the City of Jackson. Prior to his election he served six years as a City Councilman and four years as the city’s Vice Mayor. He’s been a strong advocate for the policies, programs and projects necessary to transform our urban cores into vibrant places where people and businesses want to locate.
As a city leader, he has spearheaded numerous policies that have worked to make Jackson a more tolerant, inclusive place that views diversity as a strength. By partnering with local anchor businesses, the city is currently undergoing unprecedented investment and growth. Dobies has worked to ensure that this growth is equitable – and that traditionally underserved populations are able to participate in new opportunities in the city.
While a smaller city, Dobies has helped to make sure that Jackson punches above its weight class: working to lead on issues of discrimination, poverty, fair housing, and criminal justice reform. He aims to have the city lead in adaptive policies to confront climate change by working with area industry to make Jackson the Clean Energy Capital of Michigan.
