Nationwide — Former Mayor Karen Williams Weaver tuned in to listen to United States Senator Elissa Slotkin’s speech about the anniversary of the Flint water crisis on the Senate floor. Her speech took place on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, January 15, 2026.
Much to the former mayor’s surprise, her name, along with Councilman Eric Mays, Claire McClinton, and other prominent water warriors, was not mentioned once on the congressional record. Slotkin’s remarks covered the crisis, but one omission was very noticeable: Mayor Weaver was the first to declare a local state of emergency on December 14, of 2015, followed by Governor Rick Snyder, who declared a state of emergency for Genesee County on January 5, 2016, and lastly on January 16, 2016, President Barack Obama declared a federal emergency. As a result, Mayor Weaver was able to implement the “Fast Start Initiative” to replace lead-tainted pipes and negotiate the city’s release from state oversight.
Mayor Weaver had an unexpected entry into politics. She served as the first female mayor from 2015 to 2019. She was elected during the height of the Flint water crisis. Her primary goals were surrounding infrastructure repair to bring clean water to the residents of Flint, and to restore Home Rule. In a recent interview on “The Tonya Burns Show,” who is the 6th Ward Councilwoman in Flint, she spoke about the difficulties of taking office amid a state-controlled emergency management system. She also said that it was challenging because Flint was already in the midst of a public health disaster, with serious implications regarding water safety, health, and public confidence.
Upon assuming office, Mayor Weaver immediately took some critical steps, including:
• Declaring a state of emergency to mobilize resources
• Seeking Federal Assistance
• Beginning the arduous process of forcing local, state, and federal entities to acknowledge the scale and severity of the crisis.
• Engaging with the national philanthropic partners to provide resources, funding, and long-term support for Flint’s public health recovery.
Mayor Weaver provides a stark view of the long-term effects of the crisis on Flint residents’ health and infrastructure. She voices strong concern over issues with ongoing repairs and critiques what she believes is an insufficient state response. She believes that there is a lack of accountability for those responsible for the disaster, which underscores the need for continued advocacy.
During the podcast, they also discuss the media and their role in creating narratives that omit or downplay Mayor Weaver’s foundational role in addressing the crisis by trying to exclude her. She stressed the importance of accurate historical narratives to prevent erasure of key efforts.
At the end of the conversation, there was a call to action encouraging political engagement and supporting leaders who prioritize community welfare. She emphasized that community members need to remain vigilant and support Flint as the city continues its recovery.
“Former Mayor Weaver’s account is essential for understanding not just the mechanics of the crisis but the political and systematic obstacles faced in addressing it,” said Councilperson Tonya Burns. “Her leadership was instrumental in shifting the narrative and mobilizing the initial response, and this summary serves as a vital record of that fight. We will not allow her contributions to be erased, whether intentional or unintentional.”
Mayor Weaver reinforces the need for continued focus on Flint’s infrastructure, the health of its residents, and ensuring that those responsible for one of the nation’s most severe public health crises are held fully accountable.
Watch the full interview with Councilwoman Tonya Burns on YouTube:
YouTube.com/watch?v=hYgYWjZUm14&list=PPSV&t=2s
Mayor Weaver said she has reached out to Senator Slotkin’s office but has not received a response to her concerns.
For more information regarding interviews, contact Karen Williams Weaver at 810-240-3521.