Public Meetings - Detroit, Michigan

The Detroit City Council Standing Committee convened on March 19, 2026, with Councilmember Letitia Johnson presiding. Despite the absence of Council President Pro Tempore Komene Young, a quorum was present. The meeting addressed public comments, updates on pending memoranda, and several contracts and resolutions. The committee approved contracts for accessibility upgrades, salt mining lease extension, and loan servicing, as well as a resolution urging the promotion of the housing choice voucher homeownership program. Two agenda items were held for further information. Public Comments & Testimony - Miss Riley expressed frustration with the Detroit Land Bank Authority regarding a property she had maintained since 1999, stating that the land bank was harassing her and planning to remove her belongings. She asked the council to intervene. - William M. Davis supported lowering the threshold for the Community Benefits Ordinance and advocated for clawing back incentives from developers who fail to meet agreements, citing the Hudson’s building project as an example. - Betty A. Varner, president of the Soto Elsewhere Black Association, promoted the MI Choice waiver program for in-home care, urging those not eligible for Medicaid to contact the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. - Cunningham spoke about his experiences with homelessness and depression, described his advocacy work distributing supplies at bus stops, and requested prayers for upcoming transit advocacy training in Pittsburgh. - Ruben Crowley accused city officials of lying about findings on voter fraud allegations and demanded reimbursement for property repairs, stating he had spent money to replace items stripped from his house. He warned that he would take further action. - Tyson Gersh opposed the Northern Landing Project, arguing that nearby residents did not want the project while supporters from outside the area were financially incentivized by the city. He criticized the community engagement process as broken. - Owner Papa inquired about whether housing choice vouchers (Section 8) can be used for homeownership, criticized the 36th District Court for not holding non-compliant landlords accountable, and expressed concerns that CDBG funds have not benefited the Aviation Subdivision, alleging gentrification. Unfinished Business - 5.1 – Status of Councilmember Letitia Johnson’s memorandum requesting a resolution on the housing choice voucher homeownership option. The item was received and filed. - 5.2 – Status of Councilmember Mary Waters’ memorandum regarding the nuisance abatement suit for the Leland House apartments. Law Department representative Graham Anderson reported that mediation occurred the previous day but no outcome was yet available. The item was brought back in two weeks. - 5.3 – Status of Councilmember Letitia Johnson’s memorandum regarding the Hance Farms LLC purchase agreement. John Trung of the Housing Revitalization Department stated that additional information from the Law Department was needed. The item was brought back in two weeks. - 5.4 – Status of the Civil Rights Inclusion and Opportunity Department’s Community Benefits Ordinance annual report for Future of Health. The report was received and filed. Chair Johnson noted progress on the community land trust (CLT), which had received land and financial resources. New Business - 6.1 – Contract No. 6006558-A2 (100% ARPA funding), Amendment No. 2 for development of public facility rehabilitation and accessibility upgrades at Stafford House. The amendment extends the contract period to June 30, 2026, and increases funds by $77,267.50. The funds were reprogrammed from other projects completed under budget. The item was sent to formal session with a recommendation to approve. - 6.2 – Lease Amendment No. 2 with the Detroit Salt Company (Contract No. 6007474-A2) to extend and expand rights to mine salt from city-owned properties. The amendment extends the lease through December 31, 2055, and will generate approximately $8.9 million in revenue over 30 years through lease payments and salt sales. Representatives answered questions about mining methods and surface impact. The item was sent to formal session with a recommendation to approve. - 6.3 – Replacement contract with Revella Inc. (Contract No. 6007575) for loan servicing and collection of the HOME investor loan portfolio using 100% CDBG funds. The contract period runs through June 30, 2027, with a total amount of $240,138. The previous contractor, Mino Lending Solutions, requested the transfer to focus on lending. The item was sent to formal session with a recommendation to approve. - 6.4 – Resolution urging the Detroit Housing Commission to promote the housing choice voucher homeownership program. The item was sent to formal session with a recommendation to approve. Key Outcomes - Contracts 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and resolution 6.4 were approved by the committee and sent to the formal council session with a recommendation to approve. - Items 5.2 and 5.3 were referred back and will be brought up again in two weeks. - Chair Johnson advised Miss Riley to seek representation from United Community Advocacy Coalition (UCAC) regarding her land bank issue. - Chair Johnson stated that the housing choice voucher is Section 8 and has been eligible for homeownership, and that the Detroit Housing Commission determines whether to allow the program. - Chair Johnson noted that her Chief of Staff, Gary Gray, had visited Ruben Crowley’s property and assisted with his concerns.

The Detroit City Council held a budget hearing for the Planning and Development Department (PDD) on March 19, 2026. Due to time constraints, the council voted to move the entire PDD budget into executive session, but allowed Director Alexa Bush to deliver a presentation. The council also approved several motions to place specific items into executive session and closing resolutions. Public comments addressed tax abatements, equitable development, and neighborhood needs. Discussion Items - Director Alexa Bush presented the department's budget of approximately $7 million for 40 full-time employees. She highlighted priorities including youth engagement in planning, alignment with the mayor's economic development strategy, and expanding the economic development toolkit. Key initiatives include the Master Plan of Policies update (Plan Detroit), historic preservation plan, neighborhood framework plans (Denby Whittier, Forest Parks), and support for retail strategy. - The department oversees citywide and neighborhood planning, development review, Historic District Commission, and the Community Benefits Ordinance process. - Director Bush noted ongoing community engagement: over 135 meetings for Plan Detroit and plans for district-by-district meetings in April 2026. - Councilmember Callaway raised concerns about abandoned school buildings (Bethune and Coffee in District 2) and the need for family entertainment spaces tied to youth engagement. - Councilmember McCampbell requested focus on youth and senior recreation and literacy in District 7. - Councilmember Miller asked about protections for historic districts. Public Comments & Testimony - Maurice Weeks criticized tax abatements, citing studies showing negative net impact and that many businesses would locate regardless. He offered to provide research to council. - Betty A. Barber (president of DeSoda Ellsworth Block Association) requested equal investment in the Thinker corridor (District 2) comparable to the Grand River corridor and other areas. - Foster (caller) called for accountability in the prosecutor's office and urged DEGC to be more equitable with its 501(c)(4) arm and campaign contributions. - Tyson Gersh raised concerns about the Detroit Economic Growth Association (DEGA), a subsidiary of DEGC, receiving developer donations and potential conflicts of interest with city contracts. - William M. Davis argued that downtown-focused funds should be spread citywide and that planning should prioritize neighborhood development. - Owner Papa (caller) criticized the lack of equity in spending, noting no rec center in Districts 6/7, and called for planning with community input, especially for Black-owned barbershops and beauty shops impacted by COVID. - Tahira Ahmed requested more investment in home-based businesses and home repair, and inclusion of disabled and overtaxed residents. - Margaret Mattox (caller) emphasized including people with disabilities in all city planning and design processes. Key Outcomes - Council voted to move the entire PDD budget into executive session with no objections. - Council approved Councilmember Callaway's motion to place the plans for Bethune and Coffee schools into executive session and closing resolution. - Council approved Councilmember Callaway's motion to explore creating an indoor/outdoor family fun space as part of youth engagement. - Council approved Councilmember McCampbell's motion to focus on youth and senior recreation and literacy in District 7. - Council approved Councilmember Miller's motion to add protections for historic districts to executive session. - All motions were followed up with memos. - Public comments were heard from seven callers and one in-person speaker. The meeting recessed at approximately 12:30 PM and will reconvene at 2 PM for afternoon budget hearings.

The Detroit City Council Neighborhood Committee met on March 19, 2026. The meeting included approval of minutes, public comments on various community issues, and new business items including event permits, contracts, and donations. All new business items were moved to formal session without objection. Consent Calendar - The minutes were approved without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Smith (in person): Criticized the quasi-governmental entity DGC for using eminent domain at a mass scale, referencing Jefferson Village in District 4. He accused Councilmembers Scott Benson and Renata Miller of ignoring residents' concerns regarding the Cronos Concrete site (3405 Gaylord, 3.44 acres in District 3) and improperly zoned properties on the Lower East Side. He alleged that the councilmembers take money from billionaires and are hypocritical about local zoning. - Betty A. Varner (virtual): President of the Soda Elsewhere Black Association, announced a free health fair on April 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church (7151 Finco Avenue). Services include free eye exams and health screenings for children and adults, sponsored by MySEP's Michigan Vision Doctors, DOC, and Community Health Connections. - William M. Davis (virtual): Raised concern about a retired Detroit police officer accused of serial rape, stating the city should not pay expenses for such officers. He requested more libraries and recreation centers in District 7, noting it has only one library and no recreation center despite being the third largest district. He identified himself as a former police commissioner. - Ona? (virtual): Criticized the meeting for not allowing 15 minutes for call-in public comment. Requested a report from Councilmember Young on how Betty Varner can obtain a waiver. Also reported that her house was placed in bankruptcy during the city's bankruptcy but she never received a letter indicating it was released. She asked for an investigation into why her property's owner-occupied status was changed without her knowledge, implying involvement by Mr. Hornsby. New Business All new business line items were moved to formal session with recognition for approval and placed on the new business agenda without objection. - 6.1: Apex Events LLC – Grand Slam 2026 on April 3, 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1526 Broadway. Setup begins April 1; teardown April 3–4. - 6.2: Rodney Howell – White Dinner Party on August 29, 2026, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Riverside Park. Setup and teardown same day. - 6.3: Walk MS Detroit on May 3, 2026, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Aretha Franklin Amphitheater. Setup May 2; teardown May 3. - 6.4: RF Events – High Tail to L5K on May 8, 2026, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 2375 Franklin Street. Setup and teardown same day. - 6.5: Contract 6007608 – Tree trimming and removal services with J Back Tree and Debris LLC (14390 Wyoming Street). Total contract value: $3 million. - 6.6: Acceptance of FY2026 USFWS Bird Meadow Grant – $16,630 federal share, total project cost $33,755. Non-cash award. - 6.7: Acceptance of donation of a permanent sculpture in the Bioswell area in Eliza Howe Park from Sidewalk Detroit, valued at $70,000. Non-cash donation. Member Reports - Councilmember Renata Miller: Announced a Women's History Month celebration on March 20, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (KMAC) 13th floor, co-hosted with Councilwoman Mary Waters. Key Outcomes - All new business items (6.1–6.7) were moved to formal session with recognition for approval and placed on the new business agenda. No objections were recorded. - The meeting adjourned without further discussion.

The Detroit City Council held a budget hearing on March 18, 2026, for the Department of Appeals and Hearings (DAH). Director Julianne Pastoral presented the department's fiscal year 2027 budget, operations, and strategic priorities. Council members questioned the director on performance metrics, language access, collection rates, and community engagement. Public comments were received on blight enforcement and other city matters. Discussion Items - DAH Budget and Operations Overview: Director Pastoral introduced DAH's three core functions: blight court, administrative appeals, and blight clearance certifications. She highlighted a decrease of 44,000 blight tickets in fiscal year 2025 compared to the prior year. Total judgments issued were $18.4 million, with $5.6 million collected (30% collection rate, 5% over adopted budget). Administrative appeals doubled year-over-year, with business license matters increasing sevenfold and emergency demolition hearings more than tripling. Blight clearance applications processed since November 2024 totaled over 4,400, with 64% granted, 18% denied, and a processing time of one day. - Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget: DAH requested $2.4 million in expenditures and projected $5.9 million in revenue. The budget includes 19 FTEs (one vacancy), a $104,000 increase over the prior year, incorporating two positions previously funded by ARPA. The training budget was removed, but professional services and equipment funding remained unchanged. - Text Messaging Initiative: DAH implemented a text messaging system for unpaid judgments through its collections law firm, using a verified short code, branding, and opt-out options. Council Member McCampbell suggested adding "on behalf of the City of Detroit" language, which Director Pastoral agreed to pursue. - Language Access: Council Member Santiago Romero raised concerns about non-English speakers being turned away. Director Pastoral and Manager Joylin Hunt described efforts to provide interpreters via CREO, reschedule hearings, and accommodate multilingual needs. Website redesign will include translated materials. - Collection Rate and Unpaid Judgments: Council Member Benson noted the 30% collection rate and asked about the remaining 70%. Director Pastoral explained that those are enforceable judgments actively pursued through liens, garnishments, and collections activities. She emphasized that attending hearings is key to reducing defaults. - Amnesty Days and Fee Waivers: Council Member Young asked if DAH would host an amnesty day for reduced fines. Director Pastoral said it is on her wish list but the department has focused on process improvements first. - Use of Artificial Intelligence: Council Member Young suggested AI could enhance case processing. Director Pastoral stated DAH does not currently use AI and has no AI plans in its upcoming case management software contract, as the Law Department explicitly excluded it. - Virtual vs. In-Person Hearings: DAH conducts 100% of hearings via Zoom, a practice continued since COVID-19. Council President noted the Zoom dial-in uses a 312 area code, causing confusion, and Director Pastoral agreed to explore options. - Hearing Officer Judgments and Appeals: Council President asked about audits of hearing officer decisions. Director Pastoral explained that judgments are based on evidence, respondents can appeal to Third Circuit Court, and default judgments can be set aside within 21 days with a bond refund if found not responsible. - Motion for Public Education on Blight Tickets: Council Member Santiago Romero moved to executive session to discuss resources for public education on the most common blight tickets. The motion passed without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - Maurice Weeks commented on BSEED and CREO budget concerns, noting the same number of FTEs for construction inspections and language access as the prior year. - Jadante Smith criticized council members for comments about land bank and zoning issues. - Hira Ahmed commented on the Detroit Institute of Arts and historical narratives about African Americans. - Foster praised DIA but criticized DAH for disconnect with community on blight enforcement. - Owner Papa questioned revenue from blight tickets and equitable enforcement, citing missed tickets for certain property owners. - Betty A. Varner, president of Soda Ellis World Block Association, requested funding to waive land use hearing fees for community groups. Key Outcomes - DAH will provide written answers to outstanding budget questions from the Legislative Policy Division. - The council approved a motion (unanimous) to explore and allocate resources for public education on common blight tickets. - DAH will submit two contracts for council consideration in coming weeks: a new case management system and an extension of its collections contract. - The budget hearing concluded with a recess until 2:00 p.m.

The Detroit City Council held the afternoon portion of its fiscal 2026 budget hearings on March 18, 2026, for the Building Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department (BC). Director Dave Bell, with Deputy Director Raymond Scott, presented an overview of the department’s operations, performance statistics, and initiatives aligned with Mayor Sheffield's "Rise Higher" platform. Councilmembers raised significant concerns about rental property compliance, code enforcement, dangerous building processes, problem properties, and technology upgrades, resulting in several motions and directives. Presentation and Performance Statistics - Director Bell reported BC has 363 employees and an adopted baseline budget of $40.8 million for fiscal 2026. In 2025, the department performed over 261,000 inspections, issued 6,800 building permits, 25,000 trade permits, 400 certificates of occupancy, 1,800 business licenses, and 6,600 certificates of compliance. It also closed 270 illegal marijuana facilities and processed 32,000 improved Detroit issues. Business licenses for brick-and-mortar locations increased 35% two years in a row. Rental Property Compliance and Enforcement - Councilmember Renata Miller highlighted a large gap in rental registration and compliance, estimating that the city is missing over $20 million in annual revenue. Of an estimated 80,000 rental properties, only 11,474 have active certificates of compliance and 25,014 are registered, leaving nearly 68,000 without valid certificates. She criticized the lack of oversight and referenced the Kamaaya Davis tragedy as a result of unchecked conditions. Director Bell acknowledged the department’s failures, stated that rental compliance is currently at 14%, and committed to increasing certificates of compliance by 25‑35% in the next year. He also announced a partnership with a third‑party nonprofit to review BC processes, with the rental program as a priority. Dangerous Buildings and Code Enforcement - Councilmember Letitia Johnson questioned the dangerous building process, calling for better notification systems and a means to track property histories (similar to package tracking). She noted that some properties scheduled for demolition should be preserved. Director Bell agreed the process needs improvement and said he directed his team to send only properties that truly require demolition. Councilmember Scott Benson emphasized code enforcement, noting BC wrote 121,000 blight tickets in 2024 and 77,000 in 2025. He pushed for more inspectors and higher quality of life. Director Bell confirmed inspectors are in all districts and respond to complaints within 24 hours. - Councilmember Denzel McCampbell raised enforcement issues regarding businesses in District 7, especially auto‑related businesses that repeatedly violate codes. Director Bell described actions including shutdowns with police and consent agreements for habitual violators, and acknowledged a "whack‑a‑mole" pattern. Use of Technology and Artificial Intelligence - Council President Pro Tem Holming Young Second advocated for adopting artificial intelligence and distributed ledger technology (DLT) to streamline permitting, reduce administrative costs by 20‑40%, speed up processing by 50‑80%, and increase inspection efficiency by 30‑60%. He provided cost‑benefit projections: initial implementation $3‑10 million, annual costs $1‑3 million, net annual gain $7‑35 million, payback period 12‑24 months, and ROI of 3‑5 times within three to five years. Director Bell said BC is working with IT to integrate AI into the permitting process without eliminating jobs. Brightmore Scattered Homes - Council President James Tate requested an update on Brightmore scattered homes. Director Bell reported: 123 properties exist, 88 of which have certificates of compliance (62% compliance), 35 need compliance, and $31,000 is owed to BC. He stated the department is working with the Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD) on loan modifications to allow residents to purchase the homes. Nuisance Abatement and Problem Properties - Councilmember Mary Waters argued that BC should handle residential nuisance abatement rather than the Detroit Land Bank Authority, which she said relies heavily on lawyers. She asked about absorbing the land bank’s nuisance abatement program into BC. Director Bell was hesitant but open to further discussions. Councilmember Letitia Johnson raised concerns about two District 4 properties: Cover Girls on Whittier (a non‑conforming use presumed abandoned) and the Travel Inn, which she alleged operates illegal long‑term stays under a hotel license. Director Bell said the department works with the law department on these issues and noted that the Travel Inn holds a license and certificate of compliance. Motions and Resolutions - Councilmember Benson moved to place the entire BC budget into executive session. Approved without objection. - Councilmember Benson also moved to add language to the closing resolution emphasizing the need for code enforcement and code compliance for a higher quality of life. Approved without objection. - Councilmember McCampbell moved to include in executive session a discussion on code enforcement education, outreach, and accessibility, and to add language to the closing resolution about robust enforcement against habitual violators. Both motions were approved without objection. - Councilmember Letitia Johnson moved to include language directing the Law Department (LPD) to work with BC on identifying vacant properties to prevent non‑conforming uses from reopening. Approved without objection. Key Outcomes - The entire BC budget was placed into executive session for further deliberation. - Several motions were approved to add specific language to the closing resolution and to guide executive session discussions on code enforcement, education, and vacant properties. - Director Bell committed to improving rental compliance by 25‑35% in the coming year and to working more closely with the law department and council on problem properties.

The Detroit City Council held a budget hearing for the Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity Department (CRIO) on March 18, 2026. Director Jay Mathis presented the department's FY27 budget and overview of its nine divisions, including civil rights, disability affairs, veterans affairs, cannabis, and the Detroit Business Opportunity Program. Councilmembers questioned enforcement mechanisms, budget reductions, minority business contracting, cannabis industry challenges, and language access. Multiple motions were passed to add items to executive session, and public commenters urged increased funding for language access and disability services. Public Comments & Testimony - Charity Dean, President and CEO of Michigan Black Business Alliance, expressed support for Director Mathis and CRIO's small business initiatives. - Maurice Weeks urged restoration of a $400,000 reduction to the Office of Disability Affairs (ODA) and greater investment in language access. - Lauren Glover, Executive Director of Arc Detroit, praised ODA's work in providing access for people with disabilities, including paratransit and recreation. - Christine Suave, co-chair of the Detroit Immigration Task Force, advocated for sufficient resources to train city staff on language access services. - Casey Pellet from Detroit Disability Power urged protecting ODA funding at $1.4 million, noting the proposed cut would harm accessible housing efforts. - Hira Ahmed questioned the use of "minority" terminology in a majority-Black city and raised concerns about civil rights issues with Arab-owned businesses. - Cassiana Gibson from Michigan Immigrant Rights Center urged adequate funding for language access program training and the Creole Ambassadors Group. - Marguerite Maddox called for a new rate structure for translation services. - D'Amico Williams, a disability advocate, urged restoring and increasing ODA funding. - Mr. Foster recommended civilian oversight for the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) and supported CRIO's direction. - Carolyn Hughes echoed concerns about minority terminology, opposed ODA cuts, and asked about blight money and BSEED accountability. - A caller suggested learning other languages to improve communication. - William M. Davis called for more Detroit dollars staying in Detroit and reducing red tape for businesses. - Betty A. Varner asked for funds to help Black clubs with permitting fees and corridor redevelopment, especially the Fenkell corridor. - Maha Mammo from Freedom House Detroit urged funding for language access to ensure translated meeting notices and interpretation at public meetings. - Vilma S. Camellia Duran advocated for in-person interpretation services over digital options. - A final caller said "fix z dot" and thanked the council. Discussion Items - Enforcement for Development Projects: Director Mathis explained that CRIO monitors projects and uses a compliance plan; if unresolved, an enforcement committee (CRIO, Law, NAC, LPD) can bring issues to council. Councilmember Johnson noted a potential discrepancy with the Stellantis FCA project and requested a direct conversation. - Office of Disability Affairs Budget Cut: Councilmember Johnson noted a $400,000 reduction to ODA's budget. Director Mathis said the reduction was not requested by her office, and outlined plans to expand interpreter services (two in-house ASL interpreters), mental health wellness, Braille materials, and accessible workstations. She expressed interest in restoring the funding. - Detroit Business Opportunity Program (DBOP): Councilmember McCampbell asked about tracking business growth. Director Mathis reported 213 certified Detroit businesses, over 300 in the vendor pool, 17% of contracts awarded to Detroit-based businesses, and 6% to minority-owned businesses. Councilmember Waters criticized the low percentage and requested a study to identify minority vendors. Councilmember Miller expressed skepticism about program effectiveness, citing past failures with cannabis programs, and asked for concrete outcomes. - Cannabis Industry Impact: Deputy Director Megan Maslamani addressed concerns about the new 51% excise tax (including all levies), stating the department opposed it and is supporting lobbying efforts. A University of Michigan study will assess the tax's impact. Security concerns were also raised; a subcommittee is being formed. Councilmember Young asked about crime implications and black market activity. - Language Access Program: Councilmember Santiago Romero noted that $200,000 from the previous year was intended for language access staff but may have been redirected to civil rights investigators. Director Mathis confirmed the need for an additional coordinator and intake specialists. Multiple council members emphasized in-person interpretation at hearings. Motions were made to restore funding and explore bringing translation services in-house. - Artificial Intelligence Implementation: Pro Tempore Young asked about AI use. Director Mathis said CRIO is considering AI for communications, language access, and compliance tracking, but with human oversight. - Minority Business Certification Fee: Councilmember Johnson questioned the fee charged by the city, noting Detroit may be the only municipality doing so, and asked for a review. Key Outcomes - The Office of Disability Affairs budget was moved to executive session (motion by Councilmember Johnson, no objections). - $200,000 for the language access program was added to executive session (motion by Councilmember Santiago Romero, no objections). - $100,000 for a study to identify minority businesses that could become city vendors was added to executive session (motion by Councilmember Waters, no objections). - A motion to evaluate bringing the language access translation contract in-house was added to executive session (motion by Councilmember Santiago Romero, no objections). - Councilmember Johnson requested a review of the minority business certification fee; a decision on adding it to executive session will follow. - The hearing concluded with adjournment after public comments. A public hearing on the full budget will take place on March 30, 2026 at 5 p.m.

The Detroit City Council held a budget hearing for the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) on March 18, 2026. DIA leadership presented updates on exhibitions, programs, capital projects, and services provided under the tri-county millage. Council members asked questions about parking infrastructure, workforce, unionization, community partnerships, and future plans. Attendance & Opening - Council President Mary Sheffield presiding. Councilmembers Mary Waters, Angela Whitfield Calloway, and Johnson were excused for the morning budget hearings. A quorum was present. DIA Presentation - Salvador Salar-Pans (President & CEO) highlighted the new African American galleries (opened October 2025), the upcoming modern/contemporary wing reinstallation (fall 2026), the Anishinaabe art exhibition (over 60,000 visitors), and the Georgia O'Keeffe exhibition (September 2026). - Anthony Smith (VP of Learning & Audience Engagement) outlined the new Art and Wellness initiative, including programs like Healing Arts (with Children's Hospital), Minds on Art (with Alzheimer's Association), and Art and Medicine (with Henry Ford Health System). - Elliot Broom (COO) discussed the Detroit Cultural Center Association (DCCA) plan: renovation of the underground parking garage (estimated $49 million), which would enable creation of a great lawn and sunken garden. The garage currently has about 200-250 spaces if rebuilt; removal would cost $20 million. $12 million in grants have been raised. - Julie McFarland (Executive Director of Public Affairs) summarized service agreement benefits: free admission (nearly 60,000 Detroit residents in 2025), K-12 field trips (nearly 12,000 Detroit students), senior group program (34 Detroit groups), and community partnership programs (Inside Out, community exhibitions, etc.). Discussion Items - Grand Bargain contributions (Councilmember Young): DIA CFO Kate Spratt confirmed ongoing payments through the Foundation for Detroit's Future. - Immigrant and community-specific art (Councilmember Young): DIA is open to representing Bangladeshi and other communities; no specific exhibition planned but feedback welcomed. - Parking garage cost-benefit (Councilmember Benson): Questioned the $49 million cost vs. $20 million removal. DIA argued rebuilding is necessary to transform the surface lot into a gathering space and that foundations are supportive. Councilmember Benson noted the city was barred from owning the DIA under the Grand Bargain; DIA said it would analyze whether the city could provide financial support. - Cultural district collaboration (Councilmember McKenna): DIA confirmed cooperation with Charles Wright Museum and Car Center through DCCA. - Workforce and Detroit residency (Councilmember McKenna): DIA committed to providing data on Detroit employee percentage and workforce pipeline programs. - Photography program for City Hall (Councilmember Santiago-Romero): Proposed a DIA partnership to place photography projects in the 13th floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. Council directed staff to include this in a closing resolution (passed without objection). - Unionization (Councilmember Santiago-Romero): DIA recently recognized AFSCME Cultural Workers United for over 200 employees, bringing total unionized staff to over 300 across three units. Contract negotiations to begin within 90 days. - Membership decline (Councilmember Miller): Free admission reduced membership, but special exhibitions (like O'Keeffe) are expected to boost it. Suggested competitive youth art contests. - Digital art commitment (Council President Sheffield): DIA hired first Chief Digital Officer two years ago; summer digital interactives in Gray Hall will be tested. Key Outcomes - Councilmember Santiago-Romero's motion to include a photography program for the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in the closing resolution was approved without objection. - DIA will provide written answers to late-submitted questions from Councilmembers Callaway and Johnson by Friday, March 21. - No formal budget vote was taken; the hearing was informational.

The Budget, Finance and Audit Standing Committee met on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at approximately 1:10 p.m. (public comment closed at 1:10 p.m.) during the budget season, which limited the committee to one hour. The committee approved the previous meeting’s minutes, heard public comment from four speakers, and considered unfinished business on state revenue sharing resolutions and an ARPA audit. New business included the mayor’s proposed FY 2026‑2027 budget, a neighborhood enterprise zone (NEZ) certificate application for a modular home in West Village, and several memoranda related to property tax relief and budget follow‑ups. All agenda items were disposed of by motions, with most brought back for future discussion or approval. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by voice vote with no objections. Public Comments & Testimony - Owner Papa (Resident): Asserted that Detroit’s $3 billion budget cheats legacy citizens; that federal dollars do not return to residents; that surplus tax dollars are given to corporate America instead of funding a rec center; and that ARPA money should be available for block clubs like Miss Varner’s. Suggested the sixth division might need its own trash hauling. (Chair responded that trash issues should be reported; the BZA court reporter topic was placed in executive session.) - William M. Davis (Commissioner, District 7): Called for an additional library and a functioning rec center in District 7; stated the district pays more property tax but receives fewer services; warned that if nothing changes, the city may need to return to citywide council representation. (Chair noted that an April announcement on a rec center at Rouge Park is forthcoming.) - Detroit Resident: Urged the committee to examine the VZA budget regarding court transcriber contracts, criticizing charges of over $7 per page for transcripts; observed that litter is widespread outside downtown/DIA areas. (Chair stated that the court reporter conversation was moved to executive session.) - Phone number ending 039: Referenced one‑minute limit, named individuals (Scott Vincent, Dennis Murphy), and claimed “the truth is the truth” regarding Kinesha not shooting herself and the 1st division of the Detroit Police Department. Discussion Items - 5.1 – Memorandum on State Revenue Sharing Trust Fund Resolutions (SB 559‑561, HB 311, 4312): Chair McCampbell explained that the city depends on state revenue sharing and that Detroit has not received its fair share; the resolutions seek to establish a trust fund to protect those funds from political interference. A motion to bring the item back in one month was approved without objection. - 5.2 – Audit of ARPA Neighborhood Beautification Initiative Program Operations: Administration representatives Regina Greer (Chief Deputy CFO), Terry Daniels (Deputy CFO, Development & Grants), and Martha Potier (Neighborhood Economic Development) updated the committee. Corrective action responses had been drafted and were to be submitted by the end of the day. The project audited was fully expended; the SEED program had also been fully spent down, albeit with delays due to development financing. All five SEED recipient entities were to be provided. A question about Oracle contract amounts was clarified (expired contracts cannot incur overpayments). The item was received and filed on motion. - 6.1 – Report on FY 2026‑2027 Mayor’s Proposed Budget and Four‑Year Financial Plan: Received and filed on motion (no further discussion). - 6.2 – NEZ Certificate Application for 2505 Townsend Street (West Village): Presented by CPC staff Chris Gulak and developer John Boros (Kaylate Holdings). The project is a modularly constructed, three‑bedroom, three‑bath home on a 30 ft × 100 ft lot purchased from the Land Bank for $7,400 in November 2025. Build cost is $345,500; initial estimated sale price was $399,000, later revised to $439,000 due to finishing the basement. The house is already under construction (building permit issued October 2, 2025; NEZ application within the six‑month window). Developer aims for attainable homeownership ($300‑310 K for two‑bedroom, $350‑375 K for three‑bedroom on crawl space). Discussion covered community engagement, aesthetics (seamless fit), utility tap‑ins (lead line removal, DTE underground trenching), costs (modular not cheaper at single‑unit scale but speed reduces carrying costs), union labor (developer does not currently use union workers but was open to apprenticeship programs), and accessibility (future designs to be lowered; current house has wider clearances). The committee approved the application and sent it to formal session. - 6.3 – Memorandum on Reducing Interest/Fees on Delinquent Property Taxes (Vice Chair Johnson): Brought back in one week to allow LPD to finalize the resolution. - 6.4 – Memorandum on Moratorium on Property Tax Foreclosures for Owner‑Occupied Homes (Vice Chair Johnson): Chair McCampbell joined the resolution. LPD requested an additional week; the item was brought back in one week. (Note: Council President Sheffield had sponsored a similar resolution in the prior year.) - 6.5 – Memorandum on FY 2026‑2027 Media Service Budget Questions (Member Miller): Brought back in two weeks. - 6.6 – Memorandum on FY 2027 Budget & Municipal Parking Follow‑up (Chair McCampbell): Brought back in two weeks. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved. - 5.1: Brought back in one month. - 5.2: Received and filed. - 6.1: Received and filed. - 6.2: NEZ certificate application approved and forwarded to formal session. - 6.3: Brought back in one week. - 6.4: Brought back in one week (Chair McCampbell joined as co‑sponsor). - 6.5: Brought back in two weeks. - 6.6: Brought back in two weeks. - Meeting adjourned; member reports were suspended by motion.

The Detroit City Council's Internal Operations Standing Committee met on March 18, 2026, to consider a range of items including public comments, an interview for the Detroit Land Bank Authority, several contract amendments, lawsuit settlements, and representation/indemnification requests. The meeting began without a quorum but later achieved quorum after Councilmember Miller joined. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Cunningham (in-person): Advocated for improved D-Dot bus services, particularly after 6 p.m. and on weekends. Described a community initiative he organized (pizza and raffles for bus tickets) that D-Dot is now continuing. Also raised an issue with the United Way 211 service, noting that individuals using the Text Now app cannot call 211 from their cell phones, and suggested a workaround. - Benny A. Varner (President of the Soda Ellsworth Black Association, virtual): Provided alternative ways to contact 211 (toll-free number 1-844-875-9211 or texting zip code to 898211). Announced a free health fair on April 18, 2026, at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, offering eye screenings, health services, and more for adults and children in the Metro Detroit area. - Caller ending in 039 (Ruben Crowley Jr., virtual): Accused District 3 Representative Scott Benson of cheating in elections and called for federal investigation. Made allegations against Daniel Baxter and others. - William M. Davis (virtual): Expressed support for Mr. Cunningham and Ms. Varner, calling for more proactive community engagement. Criticized the city's payment of indemnifications and lawsuits, and urged increased voter turnout in Detroit. - Final caller ending in 169 (virtual): Agreed with previous speakers, praised Mr. Cunningham's gumption, and thanked the committee. Discussion Items - Line Item 7.5 – 1300 Lafayette Litigation: Melvin Butch Hollowell (Managing Partner, Miller Law Firm) appeared to discuss the litigation involving the Historic District Commission. The committee voted to send the formal objection to the full council with a recommendation to approve. - Housekeeping (Bringbacks): Line item 7.1 (fire prevention ordinance) was brought back to April 8, 2026. Line item 8.7 (request for information on tenants' rights commission appointments) was brought back to April 1, 2026. Two receiving files (7.3 and 8.6) were received and filed. - Interview for Detroit Land Bank Authority Appointment: Raymond Lozano (Executive Director, Mexican Town Community Development Corporation) was interviewed. He emphasized his long Detroit residency, experience in community development, and commitment to fair representation. Councilmember Miller asked about his priorities for residents; Mr. Lozano stressed ensuring that properties are sold to Detroiters and continuing blight removal. Councilmember Benson asked about communication with the council; Mr. Lozano pledged to be transparent and proactive. The committee voted to recommend approval and send to formal session. - Line Item 7.2 – Board of Ethics Request: The committee discussed a request to lift privilege on a legislative policy division memo and to allow separate legal counsel for the Board of Ethics. After discussion, a motion to deny the request passed, sending it to the full council with a recommendation to deny. - Line Item 7.4 – LAZ Parking Contract Amendment: An amendment to increase funds and extend time for city employee parking spaces (contract runs through January 30, 2029, increase of $791,000 for a total of $1.127 million). Approved without objection. - Line Item 7.6 – Proofpoint Subscription Renewal: Cybersecurity contract with Security Solutions Services, LLC for $481,000. Initially described as a three-month contract, but a correction letter extended it to 2027. Approved without objection. - Line Items 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 – Lawsuit Settlements: Settlements of $50,000 (Kimberly Roblouski v. City) and $10,000 (Manuel Gibson v. DDOT) were approved. Also 7.8 and 7.9 were bundled. - Line Items 7.10–7.15 – Representation and Indemnification: Bundled motion initially approved, but after objections from Councilmember Benson (7.14) and clarification from the Law Department (7.13 was inapplicable), the committee reconsidered. Final action: items 7.10, 7.11, 7.12, and 7.15 were approved and sent to formal; 7.13 was brought back in one week; 7.14 was brought back for a date to be determined after a closed session. - Line Item 8.1 – Appointment Resolution: The resolution related to the Land Bank interview was moved to formal with a recommendation to approve. - Line Item 8.2 – Contract with Cummings for Conviction Cases: Amendment 9 to add $500,000 for legal services related to reverse conviction cases. Graham Anderson (Law Department) explained the high stakes and need for outside counsel. Approved without objection. - Line Item 8.3 – Settlement in Clark v. City: Approved $95,000 settlement for claims against the Department of Transportation. - Line Item 8.4 – Rescission of Settlement: Removed due to a typo in the resolution; to be resubmitted. - Line Item 8.5 – Election Security Grant: Accepted a $257,000 federal grant from the Michigan Bureau of Elections for the Department of Elections. No match required. Approved. Key Outcomes - Appointments: Raymond Lozano recommended for appointment to the Detroit Land Bank Authority (sent to formal session). - Denials: Board of Ethics request to lift privilege and obtain separate counsel was denied (recommendation to full council). - Contracts Approved: LAZ parking amendment ($1.127M), Proofpoint subscription ($481,000), Cummings legal services ($500,000 amendment). - Settlements Approved: $50,000, $10,000, $95,000 (three separate lawsuits). - Representation/Indemnification: Five items approved (7.10, 7.11, 7.12, 7.15); two items held for further review (7.13 and 7.14). - Grant Acceptance: $257,000 election security grant accepted. - Bringbacks: Items 7.1 (April 8) and 8.7 (April 1) scheduled for future meetings. - Item Removed: 8.4 removed due to clerical error. - Public Comment: Three virtual speakers and one in-person speaker were heard; comments included concerns about transit, 211 access, election integrity, and city indemnification practices.