Flint, Mi –
Flint native, Ezekiel Harris has announced his run for Flint’s 8th Ward City Council seat. With a background in nonprofit leadership and economic development Harris saw the need for reliability, affordability, safety, and better neighborhood spaces. He sees this election as an opportunity to help build a better future, here.
“I’m running for Flint’s 8th Ward City Council because this is a defining moment for our community. Families are dealing with rising costs, inconsistent city services, and neighborhoods that too often feel overlooked. At the same time, Flint has real momentum and an opportunity to build something better.
As a Flint native, a husband, and father of three, this isn’t abstract for me. My wife and I are raising our kids here, and I see every day what’s at stake for families across the 8th Ward.”
Harris currently serves as Executive Director of Co.act Detroit, where he works with nonprofits focused on community and economic change across Southeast Michigan. His past work includes founding Freedmen’s Lab and leadership roles with Urū Sports, IFF, and MACC Development.
A graduate of the University of Michigan and former captain of the men’s soccer team, Harris has been recognized with the Spirit of Detroit Award and has been featured in the Detroit Metro Times for his community leadership.
His campaign is centered on improving city government reliability. That includes creating set standards for common issues like water bills and safety, street repairs, and lighting, along with clearer communication from City Hall. Advocating for things like simple tracking systems on requests, and accountability through public transparency and reporting.
“City government should work the way people expect it to. That means answering calls, fixing problems on time, and following through.”
Harris is also focusing on affordability, pointing to rising water bills and property taxes as ongoing pressure for families and seniors in the 8th Ward. He says he would push for fair billing practices, tax relief efforts, and stronger connections to assistance programs.
Public safety is another key issue in his campaign. Harris is calling for faster emergency response times, improved lighting in high-need areas, and more investment in youth programming and community-based safety efforts.
He also wants to see more attention given to everyday spaces across the ward, including parks, bus stops, and neighborhood infrastructure.
“Our neighborhoods should reflect pride and care.”
That means keeping parks and public spaces in good shape, making bus stops safe and accessible, supporting small neighborhood upgrades that make a difference, and letting residents have a say in the spaces they use every day.
“I’ve spent my career helping organizations deliver real results. Now it’s time to bring that same focus and accountability to City Hall.”
To learn more about Ezekial Harris, check out his website ezekielharris.com
Ezekiel Harris and I graduated from Carman-Ainsworth High School in the same year, though we were never personally close.
