Pickleball, Cricket, and Civic Pride: Mayor Ethan Baker’s Winning Formula for Troy

Mayor Ethan Baker of Troy, Michigan, may joke that “everything’s fine” in his city—but as his recent appearance on The Good Government Show podcast reveals, that’s not just optimism. It’s the result of hard work, civic outreach, and a relentless focus on what makes local government thrive. “Good government is about transparency, trust, and showing up,” said Baker, now in his second term leading the Detroit suburb of 90,000. “And sometimes, if people aren’t complaining to me in the grocery store—that’s how I know we’re doing something right.”

From hiring a full-time communications director to building one of the Midwest’s first dedicated cricket fields, Baker has leaned into the challenges and opportunities of a growing, diverse city. With nearly 30% of Troy’s population born outside the U.S., Baker sees education about American civic life as part of his job. “We’re not just paving roads and fixing water mains,” he explained. “We’re helping newcomers understand what local government can and can’t do. That builds trust.”

During the podcast, hosted by David Martin, Baker detailed several standout efforts: expanding parks and recreation, including eight new pickleball courts and the soon-to-open cricket pitch; a proactive approach to infill development that balances multifamily housing with Troy’s established single-family neighborhoods; and bold communications reforms, including the hiring of a community engagement officer to improve transparency and responsiveness. “One of the biggest tensions we face is how to grow the city in a way that respects both legacy residents and new families,” Baker said. “It’s about zoning, density, even tree preservation. These aren’t just technical issues—they’re emotional ones.”

Baker also spoke about Troy’s evolving relationship with Detroit, once seen as a failing neighbor and now a resurgent engine of regional pride. “There used to be this zero-sum thinking—if Detroit wins, Troy loses. That’s not true anymore,” he said. “A strong Detroit brings people to our hotels, our restaurants, our economy. We’re all rooting for Detroit now.” And yes, he’s rooting for the Lions too: “The vibe at Ford Field is electric. We’re walking through downtown Detroit in freezing weather and it’s packed—with joy, with hope. That’s new. And it’s great.”

A former lawyer and once-aspiring actor, Baker brings both legal precision and stage presence to his role. “I didn’t grow up thinking I’d run for office,” he admitted. “But I got involved in my HOA, then city council. And I realized—this is where you make the biggest difference. Local government is where lives actually get better.” He’s also passionate about debunking the myth of lazy bureaucrats: “I see how hard city staff work. They take it home with them. They care. People need to know that.”