Adam Alharbi said that he is driven by a deep commitment to public service and a strong belief in the potential of the city where he was born and raised. Alharbi, who is an engineer and a community activist, has announced his candidacy for mayor of Hamtramck this year. His campaign vision centers on infrastructure development, improved city services, transparency, accountability and strengthening community unity in Michigan’s most ethnically and culturally diverse city.

Alharbi, who is of Yemeni descent, is one of four candidates competing in the August mayoral primary election to succeed incumbent Mayor Amer Ghalib, also of Yemeni descent. The other candidates are City Councilman Muhith Mahmood, Khandaker Showkat Hossain (Khan Hossain) and Mister Bangladesh — all of whom are of Bangladeshi origin.

The top two finishers in the primary will advance to the general election in November, where voters will choose the next mayor of the city of about 27,000 residents, the majority of whom are Muslim and of Yemeni or Bangladeshi descent.

Deep roots and local insight

In an interview with The Arab American News, Alharbi, 44, said his decision to run was rooted in a deep understanding of Hamtramck’s needs, shaped by his experience as a lifelong resident and graduate of its public schools.

“I’m not an outsider or a newcomer to this city,” he emphasized. “I’ve grown up here, lived in its neighborhoods and I know firsthand its chronic challenges.”

Alharbi highlighted his more than 20 years of professional experience in engineering and management, which he says equips him with the necessary tools to analyze crises and implement practical, actionable solutions.

Infrastructure first

Alharbi has made infrastructure revitalization a top priority in his campaign. Surrounded on all sides by Detroit, Hamtramck has long suffered from deteriorating roads, alleys, water lines and sewer systems.

“Our streets and alleys are in deplorable condition,” he said. “Our water and sewage networks are in dire need of renewal. These are not luxuries — they are the basics. No city can grow without them. If elected, I will implement an urgent plan to rehabilitate our infrastructure and ensure its long-term improvement.”

Modernizing city services

Alharbi also stressed the need to modernize municipal operations and services. He argued that Hamtramck residents deserve fast, easy-to-use digital services.

“One of my goals is to make daily interactions with City Hall — like permit requests, bill payments or reporting service issues — faster and less complicated. Citizens should feel that the local government works for them, not the other way around.”

Adam Alharbi

Addressing political divisions

Commenting on recent political turmoil that led to City Manager Max Garbarino and Police Chief Jamil Altaheri being placed on temporary administrative leave, Alharbi expressed concern over the growing political divisions in City Hall.

“These recent divisions were unfortunate and could have been avoided if there had been leadership that valued transparency and accountability,” he said.

“I recognize that investigations are ongoing, but my focus as mayor will be on preventing these situations from escalating in the first place. I will foster an environment of open communication, accountability and proactive problem-solving inside City Hall.”

Reputation and identity

“My goal is simple: I want Hamtramck to be in the news because of its positive achievements, strong community initiatives and effective governance — not because of internal strife,” Alharbi said.

Hamtramck has frequently made national and global headlines over the past decade for various political and social developments, including the election of the first Muslim-majority City Council in the U.S. in 2015, the election of the city’s first Muslim mayor in 2021, the ban on LGBTQ flags on city property in 2022 and the 2024 visit by then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who had received an endorsement from Ghalib, later nominated by Trump to be U.S. ambassador to Tunisia, prompting him not to seek re-election.

On expanding mayoral powers

Regarding ongoing discussions about amending the city charter to grant the elected mayor greater executive powers, Alharbi expressed his full respect for the will of the people.

“I believe the decision belongs to the residents of Hamtramck,” he said. “If they choose to give the mayor broader powers, I will accept that responsibility with integrity and will exercise those powers with full transparency and real accountability. We need strong leadership — but it must also be fair and responsible.”

Currently, the charter gives the city manager control over daily operations, while the mayor presides over the six-member City Council and serves as its seventh voting member.

A broader vision for Hamtramck

Alharbi envisions a city that is thriving, safe, clean and united across its diverse communities.

“I want to see safer streets, better-maintained neighborhoods and faster, more efficient services,” he said. “I want smart development that strengthens our community values, creates new opportunities for residents — especially our youth — and respects the character of our city.”

A message to voters

In his message to Hamtramck voters, Alharbi told The Arab American News that he is not running to represent one group or faction.

“I am running to represent all the people of Hamtramck,” he said. “I don’t judge people by race, religion or political affiliation. Hamtramck belongs to everyone.”

He emphasized that he brings with him “a clear plan, a feasible vision and a clean professional record”, pledging to be “a voice for anyone who feels unheard.”

Looking ahead to what he calls “a critical moment in Hamtramck’s history”, Alharbi described his campaign as more than a collection of campaign slogans.

“This is a personal commitment, born out of genuine love for a city I consider my permanent home, the place where my family lives and the future of my children.

“I truly believe no one cares more about our city’s future than I do, and no one has more practical plans to serve its people. I urge voters to consider my deep roots, proven qualifications and unwavering commitment to moving Hamtramck forward.”

If you’re a Hamtramck resident and eligible to vote, you may cast your vote between now and August 5, either by early voting or on election day.

The Arab American News contacted the three other mayoral candidates, requesting answers to submitted questions. None of them responded by press time.