Public Meetings - Detroit, Michigan

The Detroit City Council Committee of the Whole met on March 4, 2026, to hear public comments, conduct interviews for appointments to city commissions, and discuss several legislative and administrative items. The meeting included public testimony on police authority, city contracts, and neighborhood issues, followed by interviews for the Human Rights Commission, City Planning Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals. Several items were moved to formal session or deferred for further consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Foster expressed opposition to empowering police with the ERPO (Extreme Risk Protection Order) Act, citing officers' Brady issues and misconduct, and argued they should not be given additional authority over civil liberties. - Betty A. Brown, president of the DeSoda Ellsworth Block Association, promoted the RES Team disaster relief group (313-800-8594, restgroup.org), which provides food, mortgage/rent/utility assistance, and seeks volunteers. - William M. Davis called for reducing lawsuits against the city, criticized police falsification of reports, and urged better emergency preparedness, noting a 15.5% pension clawback. - Cunningham offered prayers, complained about being treated disrespectfully by council members, and praised Councilwoman Callaway for helping a young woman ride the bus for 31 days. - Resident requested more transparency on a $500,000 contract with Miller Law Firm, expressed concern about Sabrina McCaskill's potential bias as a realtor on the Board of Zoning Appeals, and urged council to ask appointees about meaningful inclusion and board book availability. - Janante Smith criticized the bus system, alleged land bank dumping on Hazel Ridge properties (14835, 14845, 14829), and highlighted David Whitaker's $117/hour salary ($234,000/year), calling for salary reductions and accountability in the Ombudsman's office. - Caller 039 offered cryptic remarks about "Black Bag Ruth" and "six mile rule." - Owner Papa (Ms. Hughes) agreed with Mr. Foster, questioned fire code safety at gas stations (referencing a death after locking occupants in), and accused council of ignoring legal advice, specifically regarding the PLA ruling. - Cindy (iPhone) complained about not being notified about a Chinatown meeting, noted the project received $1 million but needs $1.6 million more, and described vandalism to her property (downspout cut, broken plastic). Discussion Items - Interviews for Appointments: - Sabrina Louvine (Human Rights Commission): A social worker and community advocate, she expressed a desire to increase community outreach and defend marginalized populations. The council deferred action pending receipt of a resolution from the mayor's office. - Mifa Cancel (Human Rights Commission): A former city employee and co-founder of MANA, she emphasized engagement with residents and ensuring inclusive programs. Also deferred for resolution. - Richie Harrison (Reappointment to City Planning Commission): An urban planner and current commissioner, he emphasized community input, due diligence, and visiting sites. Council moved to approve with a resolution to be drafted. - Sabrina McCaskill (Board of Zoning Appeals): A real estate broker, she expressed concern about blight in the Osborne area and businesses ignoring ordinances. Council members questioned her on variances and upholding zoning laws; she was moved to formal session. - Line Item 10 (Ordinance to amend fire code): Deferred for two weeks due to improper notice. - Line Item 11.2 (Lifting privilege on LPD memo regarding Board of Ethics legal counsel): Deferred one week after LPD's David Whitaker expressed reservations about the detail in the memo. - Line Item 11.6 (Contract with Miller Law Firm, reduced from $500,000 to $375,000): Deferred one week pending a representative from the firm. - Line Item 12.2 (Ordinance amendment to tighten debarment rules): Presented by Graham Anderson from the Law Department, emphasizing clarity in prohibiting debarred contractors from subcontracting. Moved to formal session. - Line Item 12.3 (Re-establishment of Detroit City Council Disability Task Force): Approved earlier in the meeting; no further action needed. Key Outcomes - Appointments Moved to Formal Session: - Sabrina Louvine and Mifa Cancel to the Human Rights Commission (with resolutions provided). - Richie Harrison to the City Planning Commission (resolution to be drafted by LPD). - Sabrina McCaskill to the Board of Zoning Appeals (resolution to be drafted). - Ordinance Introduced: Line Item 12.2 (debarment rules) moved to formal session for public hearing. - Settlement Approved: Line Item 12.1 (workers' compensation case Crystal Scott, $24,900) moved to formal session. - Disability Task Force: Line Item 12.3 approved (resolution to re-establish). - Deferred Items: - Line Item 10 (fire code ordinance) – two weeks (March 18). - Line Item 11.2 (LPD memo privilege) – one week. - Line Item 11.5 (executive organization plan questions) – one week. - Line Item 11.6 (Miller law firm contract) – one week. - Line Item 11.7 (LAZ parking contract) – one week. - Member Reports: Councilmembers Benson and Miller announced upcoming events including estate planning workshops, Women's History Month events, DTE energy assistance, eviction defense meetings, and amnesty program at 36th District Court.

The Detroit City Council met on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, for its regular session. The meeting included an invocation, updates on the Leland Hotel situation, approval of resolutions and contracts, public comment, and committee reports. Key topics included the ongoing displacement of Leland Hotel residents, the approval of a historic district designation for the CPA Building, and the postponement of tree trimming contracts pending a presentation. Consent Calendar - The journal from February 17, 2026, was approved. - Line item 19.8 (resolution supporting Women in Construction Week 2026) was approved unanimously with a waiver. Public Comments & Testimony - Leland Hotel Residents and Advocates: Multiple speakers, including residents and representatives from the Detroit Tenants Union and the Housing Justice Clinic at Michigan State University, expressed frustration over the delay in retrieving personal belongings from the Leland Hotel. They criticized the city's plan, alleging misrepresentations by the law department, and demanded immediate action, including restoration of power, access to belongings, and the right to return. Some speakers noted break-ins and vandalism at the building. Attorney Donovan McCarty stated that the city's proposed removal plan was unacceptable and that no agreement had been reached. - After-Hours Establishments: Zeke Williams raised concerns about after-hours spots in neighborhoods, citing a recent murder outside a bar on West McNichols. He called for an ordinance to address late-night operations. Councilmember Whitfield Callaway announced she would introduce a memorandum on the issue. - Property Tax Justice: Several speakers from the Coalition for Property Tax Justice demanded the city implement the five pillars of reform, including stopping overassessment and returning money to overtaxed homeowners. - Other Issues: Speakers addressed D-Dot bus service after 6 p.m., water bills, auto theft, and the need for a disability task force. Discussion Items - Leland Hotel Update: The law department provided an update on the bankruptcy proceedings. A court hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2026, to approve tenant asset removal procedures. Tenants have until March 10 to object. The city proposed a 30-day timeline for removal, with a two-hour window for tenants to retrieve personal items. Council members expressed strong frustration over the delays, with some questioning why the city did not act sooner. Councilmember Miller criticized the law department for not being proactive against negligent landlords, while Councilmember Santiago Romero called for a meeting with the tenants union and law department to resolve the issue. - Women in Construction Week Resolution: The council passed a resolution recognizing March 1-7, 2026, as Women in Construction Week. Representatives from the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Detroit chapter spoke about their work and upcoming events. - Tree Trimming Contracts (20.7-20.12): Several contracts totaling over $20 million for tree trimming services were postponed for one week to allow a presentation by the General Services Director. Council members raised concerns about the lack of Detroit-based vendors, poor work quality, and the need for a comprehensive tree maintenance plan. - Cannabis Industry Social Equity Study (17.1): A contract with the University of Michigan for a research report on social equity in Detroit's cannabis industry was approved. Discussion included concerns about the high tax burden on social equity licensees and the need to assess the industry's viability. - Historic District Designation for CPA Building (18.1): An ordinance designating the Conductors Protective Assurance Building as a historic district was passed on third reading by a 9-0 vote. Key Outcomes - Leland Hotel: The council will continue to monitor the March 12 court hearing. Councilmember Santiago Romero pledged to arrange a meeting with the tenants union and law department. - Votes and Approvals: - Line items 19.2, 19.3, 19.5 approved (various contracts). - Line item 19.4 (public lighting decommissioning) approved after discussion. - Line item 19.6 (environmental instructional services) approved after discussion on vendor selection. - Line items 20.1-20.3 approved (mayor's office resolutions). - Line items 20.4-20.6 approved (various contracts). - Line item 20.13 approved (antenna trailers). - Line items 20.14-20.15 approved (public works). - Line items 20.16-20.20 approved (grants). - Line items 20.21-20.22 approved (CDBG appeals and allocations). - Line item 20.23 approved (amended budget presentation schedule). - Postponements: Line items 20.7-20.12 (tree trimming contracts) postponed to March 10, 2026. - Waivers: Waivers were attached to several items as noted during the session. - Memorandum: Councilmember Whitfield Callaway introduced a walk-on referral to the Public Health and Safety Committee regarding after-hours establishments.

A brief city council meeting was called to order with quorum present (Councilmembers Waters, Whitfield Callaway, Benson, Benton, and Miller). Chair explained that due to scheduling pressures, the meeting would be very short, taking only public comment before adjourning to reschedule a more in-depth session. No minutes or formal agenda items were considered. Public Comments & Testimony - Oren Papa (online caller): Expressed strong concerns about council rules not being followed. Alleged that the chair has served five years instead of the charter-mandated two-year term. Also criticized a resolution where a councilmember’s name appeared despite the item originating from that member's committee. Asserted that the Detroit Land Bank’s involvement in private land through the nuisance abatement program is illegal under state law, arguing the land bank should only handle surplus property. Called for equal enforcement of rules against large landowners. - William Davis (online caller): Urged the council to make voting records more accessible to the public, comparing to the state legislature’s online system. Also advocated for stronger rules to maintain orderly conduct during meetings, while supporting the right to protest. Key Outcomes - The council voted (no recorded opposition) to adjourn the meeting. A future meeting will be rescheduled for more detailed discussion of agenda items. - The Clerk clarified that voting records are publicly available through video archives and session transcripts.

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026. Councilmembers Gabriela Santiago-Romero (Chair), Mary Waters, and Denzel Anton McCampbell (arriving late) were present. The agenda centered on a proposal to create a dedicated Motor Carrier (Truck Enforcement) Unit and included extensive public comment on truck traffic, air quality, transit services, and police-community trust. Consent Calendar The following items were approved or received and filed without objection: - Meeting Minutes from the prior session were approved. - 7.5, 7.6, 7.7: Dangerous Buildings Findings and Orders were received and filed. - 7.9: Petition to vacate public alleys was approved. - 7.10: Wayne State University pedestrian bridge encroachment petition was sent to New Business. - 7.11: Resolution celebrating Black History Month was approved. Public Comments & Testimony Several residents provided two-minute comments: - Truck Traffic & Air Quality: Simone Sagovac (Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition) stated air quality is a critical public health and economic crisis, citing Detroit's worst-in-the-nation rankings for asthma hospitalizations and urging dedicated citywide truck enforcement resources. Jeff Jones (Hope Village Revitalization, District 2), Joshua Medina, Patricia Bosch, and Mr. Davis echoed the need for comprehensive enforcement, noting the issue affects all districts. - Transit Services: Brother Cunningham and Artelia West raised serious concerns about DDOT bus reliability, excessive delays, and reckless driving. Councilmember Waters advised reporting specific routes and bus numbers for follow-up. - Police Trust & Immigration: Rachel Marquez and Joshua Medina requested strict agreements preventing collaboration between any enforcement unit and ICE, as well as a ban on facial recognition technology, citing fractured trust in immigrant communities. - Rental Fees: Dr. Denise Starnell expressed support for Councilmember Waters' proposed ordinance to cap rental application fees at $50. - Blight and Housing: A resident contested a blight ticket issued without proper legal service. Jadante Smith raised issues of landlord non-compliance and Detroit Water Department billing problems. - Environmental Justice: A caller from District 7 criticized inequitable resource distribution, including a lack of recreation centers, and raised concerns about contaminated soil and pollution from speed humps. Discussion Items 1. Motor Carrier (Truck Enforcement) Unit Proposal Officer Battersby (DPD) and Augusta Gudeman (DPW) presented a plan for a dedicated Motor Carrier Unit. - Background: The city currently sees 18,000 trucks daily, expected to rise to 20,000 with the Gordie Howe Bridge. 11% of motor carrier accidents occur in Detroit. Citizen complaints have increased 90% in five years. Current enforcement by state and county authorities cannot address city ordinances or residential streets. - Proposal: Six sworn officers (3 East, 3 West) in clearly marked vehicles will focus solely on enforcing truck routes, weight limits, and equipment inspections. - Funding: The two-year startup cost is $1.9 million. The unit is projected to become self-sustaining, generating a conservative estimate of $5.4 million and a moderate estimate of $13.5 million annually in fines and fees. - Council Feedback: Chair Santiago-Romero strongly supported the unit but emphasized the need to build community trust and ensure the unit operates distinctly from other police functions. Vice Chair McCampbell stressed the need for comprehensive citywide truck route studies, noting that formal routes are currently only fully established in Southwest Detroit. Ms. Gudeman noted that further studies, estimated at $250,000 per area, could be funded by generated revenue. Key Outcomes - Motor Carrier Unit: The committee expressed unanimous support. The administration was asked to identify funding in the upcoming budget cycle. The unit will be clearly demarcated as "motor carrier" to distinguish its function. Council committed to advancing the comprehensive truck route ordinance. - Rental Application Fee Ordinance (6.1): Held over and ordered to return in one week for a legal draft. - Contracts: - 7.1 (Window Cleaning): Approved for formal session despite an objection from Councilmember McCampbell, who advocated for developing in-house city capacity. - 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.8: Approved and sent to the full Council as New Business. - Recess: The committee recessed at approximately 11:00 AM to reconvene at 1:30 PM for a scheduled Dangerous Buildings hearings session.

The Detroit City Council's Public Health and Safety Standing Committee convened on Monday, March 2, 2026, to conduct dangerous buildings hearings. The meeting was chaired by Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero, with Councilmembers Denzel Anton McCampbell and Mary Waters present. Approximately 50 properties were on the agenda for potential demolition orders. The administration (Building Safety, Environmental, and Engineering Department, or BC) explained the deferral process, allowing owners to avoid demolition by correcting violations, paying fees, and securing permits. Individual Property Hearings Eight property owners or representatives appeared virtually. Key cases included: - 18625 Revere – Sam Jasner (representing Detroit Rental) requested to keep the property, stating correction orders were met. BC cited open elements, collapsing rear porch, debris, and an abandoned vehicle. The committee sent the property back to BC for follow-up, requiring progress photos. - 14912 Rockdale – Elodor Hawkins reported interior work after a 2025 fire. BC noted fire damage, tarped roof, and exterior issues. Sent back to BC with a month to secure and repair. - 17240 Hoover – Sabat stated the property was secured; BC confirmed pending vacant registration. The property was withdrawn from the demolition list. - 3014 Pennsylvania – Gloria (nonprofit) explained the building was partially deconstructed and would be fully demolished by mid-April. The committee agreed to allow self-demolition, with permits required. - 1955 Pelky – Trisha and Steven Couch (for owner Patricia Couch) requested time to secure and sell. BC insisted on securing within 1–2 weeks. Sent back to BC with a short timeline. - 12000 Visger – Kevin Williams had secured the property; BC noted a soft area needing closure. The property was withdrawn after the owner agreed to repair and register. - 2016 Yakima – Dana Hutz wanted to keep the property and planned resecuring. BC cited open elements and missing windows. Sent back to BC with instructions to register as vacant. - 5311 Cebalt – Mohammed White (Castinometry) had boarded openings and sent photos. BC reported an open rear door and overgrowth. Sent back to BC for inspection. Batch Consideration of Remaining Properties After individual hearings, the committee proceeded in blocks. Councilmember Waters flagged properties requested by Council President and Councilmember Miller for further review. The following properties were sent back to BC: 1961 Glendale, 16840 Fenton, 9100 Quincy, 17366 Woodmine, 1300 LaSalle, 444 East Grand Boulevard, and 456 East Grand Boulevard. Properties withdrawn from the demolition list (owners had resolved violations) included: 16549 Beaverland, 2030 Beltmore, 5685 Fost, 17614 Huntington, 19417, 7246 Prairie, 5030 Cebalt, 15740 Southfield, 1207 Springwells, 20015 Westphilia, and others. The majority of remaining properties were ordered demolished, including but not limited to: 1845 20th Street, 5114 Belfort, 3751 Clements, 5042 Daily, 4526 Lily Bridge, 13136 Maiden, 20052 Pelkey, 1975 Waltham, 19396 Westphilia, and others. Key Outcomes - The committee granted deferrals (sent back to BC) for approximately 12 properties, with specific conditions and deadlines. - Approximately 10 properties were withdrawn due to compliance. - The majority of the roughly 50 agenda items were ordered demolished. - All decisions were made by motion and unanimous consent (no objections recorded). - Owners were repeatedly reminded to send progress photos to BC at the email displayed on screen and to register vacant properties.

The Detroit City Council, presided over by President Pro Tempore Coleman A. Young II, convened on February 26, 2026. The meeting featured a special presentation honoring Detective Earl "Easy" Monroe upon his retirement after 40 years of service, followed by public comments and discussion of several agenda items including parade permits, contracts, and grant approvals. Special Presentation: Spirit of Detroit Award - The Council presented the Spirit of Detroit Award to Detective Earl "Easy" Monroe, recognizing his 40 years of service with the Detroit Police Department (from January 6, 1986, through February 26, 2020, as stated in the award, though the meeting took place in 2026). Multiple speakers, including President Pro Tempore Young, Corporation Counsel, and councilmembers, praised Monroe's dedication, sacrifice, and leadership. - Detective Monroe thanked his family, partner, bosses, and teammates for supporting his career. Other officers in attendance with eight hash marks (indicating 40+ years) were also acknowledged. Public Comments & Testimony - Jadante Smith (in-person): Alleged corruption and bribery by city officials including Councilmember Scott Benson and others, claimed a job offer was a bribe to stop his activism, and called for the removal of Conrad Mallet from the Board of Police Commissioners and for Corporation Counsel to recuse himself due to conflict of interest. He stated he is pursuing legal action. - Cunningham (virtual): Promoted his mutual aid efforts (distributing hand warmers, gloves, bus tickets) and urged love and grace. Mentioned a SMART board meeting. - Betty A. Varner (virtual): President of DeSoda Ellsworth Block Association, requested that the city budget include funds for Black clubs and 501(c)(3)s, and asked for the $1,500 land use hearing fee to be waived for such groups. Also requested support for a Think Accorder project. - William M. Davis (virtual): Praised the officer recognition but called for more recognition of current workers and older retirees. Urged the city to work to eliminate the emergency management law, citing harms from the bankruptcy. - Owner Papa (virtual): Agreed with Davis, criticized the neighborhoods committee for not doing enough, questioned the distribution of Neighborhood Enterprise Zones (NEZs) in District 7, and argued that community benefits should extend beyond development areas. Opposed large tax abatements. - Cicely McClellan (virtual): Raised concerns about water rate increases by GLWA, noting that only $4 million is contributed to water affordability while 60,000 households are eligible. Urged support for state water affordability bills (HB 4555 and 5170-5173). Also criticized the bankruptcy's impact on retiree annuities. - Maggie Ward (virtual): Discussed police response issues in District 5 and alleged disparate treatment by the Land Bank, citing a developer-owned open-to-trespass structure. Questioned how a similar property she reported got boarded up after showing photos to councilmembers. Opposed Conrad Mallet's reappointment and urged scrutiny of the Detroit Solar Scheme. - Celeste Turner (virtual): Representing the Malvern Hill Neighborhood Association in District 1, requested a formal update on the Rogel Park plan. Opposed proposed low-income housing on the park site, stating the community wants the entire site to remain green space. Reported a zoning change meeting occurred without proper notification and that a petition with 129 signatures has been initiated. - Caller 039 (virtual): Threatened to sue after being removed from a previous committee meeting by Angela Whitfield Callaway, alleging violations of his rights. Made general allegations of election cheating. - Caller 169 (virtual): Praised Cunningham's community work and urged love over hate. - Caller 558 / Jeremy (virtual): Complained about poor bus service, dirty and outdated buses, lack of enough buses, and no accommodation when scheduled buses don't run. Asked what can be done for better buses. Discussion Items - Line 6.1 (Rocket Giving Fund - Rocket Classic golf tournament): Motion to move to formal session for approval passed without objection. - Line 6.2 (United Irish Societies - St. Patrick's Day Parade): Motion to move to formal session for approval passed. - Line 6.3 (Apex Events - Detroit Shamrock Festival): Motion to move to formal session for approval passed. - Line 6.4 (Office of Contract and Procurement - attenuator trailers): After questions about life expectancy and fleet size (three existing, aiming for five total), motion to move to formal session for approval passed. - Line 6.5 (Tree trimming and removal contract - corrected amount): The contract amount was corrected to $3 million. Councilmember Benson moved to bring the item back in one week (March 5, 2026) after a presentation on expanding the forestry department and hiring Detroit residents. Motion passed without objection. - Line 6.6 (Grant application to Michigan DNR for Hope Park - $800,000 total): Motion to approve and move to formal session passed. - Line 6.7 (NRPA healthy aging grant - $2,500): Motion to approve passed. - Line 6.9 (Trust Fund Grant for Walker Williams Rec Center - location clarified): Initially deferred, then moved to formal session for approval after location was provided. - Line 6.10 (Cash donation from McAlvey Merchants and Associates - $500 to Ombudsman office): Councilmembers questioned why such a small donation requires council approval. Corporation Counsel confirmed it is required by code. Motion to move to formal session passed. Key Outcomes - Approved for formal session: Lines 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7, 6.9, 6.10. - Delayed: Line 6.5 was held for one week (to March 5, 2026) pending a presentation on forestry expansion and hiring Detroit residents. - Public comment closed: Both in-person and virtual public comments were heard. - Councilmember Miller announced a morning mingle on February 27 and a deed fraud protection town hall on February 28.

The Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee met on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The meeting covered general public comment, a public hearing on the proposed CPA Building Historic District, a detailed discussion on the biannual Community Benefits Ordinance (CBO) report, and several property sales and referrals. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comment (11 virtual callers, 2 in-person): Callers addressed multiple topics. Jadante Smith urged downzoning of 4.4 acres at 3405 Gaylor Street near Cronos Concrete, citing 800 residents and seven businesses supporting the request. Another speaker called for equitable development and criticized handling of historic properties like the Veterans Building. Betty A. Verner promoted the MI Choice Waiver program for seniors. William M. Davis supported housing voucher ownership options and repealing the emergency management law. Caller Owner Papa stated the planning department is "planning for the genocide and the dislocation of legacy Detroiters." Sam Butler and Chase Cantrell (Equitable Development Task Force) advocated for a CBO work group to produce reforms. Chase Cantrell listed recommendations: clear conflict-of-interest definitions, more NAC members, impact assessments, baseline negotiation provisions, and incentive clawback strategies. Other callers criticized demolition practices, the land bank's nuisance abatement program, and transit service; one dedicated comments to Black History Month. - Public Hearing – CPA Building Historic District (11 callers): All but one commenter expressed support for the designation. Issues raised included ensuring the building is not later demolished (citing the State Fairgrounds demolition), providing financial impact studies for potential buyers, and naming the district after indigenous leader Wabansi. One caller questioned the city process for cutting off late-joining commenters. Discussion Items - CPA Building Historic District (Public Hearing): The Historic Designation Advisory Board (HDAB) presented a proposal to create the Conductor's Protective Assurance (CPA) Building Historic District in Corktown. The building, a six-story neoclassical flatiron structure at Michigan Avenue and 14th Street, was built in 1924. The district includes one contributing building and a non-contributing parcel (2216 Michigan Avenue). HDAB staff explained that local designation provides stronger protection than National Register listing. Incentives include state (25%) and federal (20%) historic tax credits. Councilmembers asked about archaeological discovery protocols, effects on property taxes, and development costs. The committee voted to send the ordinance to formal session for final approval. - Community Benefits Ordinance (CBO) – Biannual Report (1030 Discussion): The Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity Department (CRIO) and partners presented an update. Of 14 CBO-bound projects, 490 of 620 commitments are completed or on track, 120 not started, and one project (Herman Kiefer) is off track for four commitments. CREO outlined complaint processes: an online form, formal investigation by the enforcement committee, and a potential council hearing. Herman Kiefer is in litigation (land bank vs. developer) and on a compliance plan. District Detroit has not started because financing has not been secured; the University of Michigan building is separate. Future of Health's community land trust components were deferred for a future update. Councilmembers questioned delays, the lack of started commitments for The Mid (paused), and urged better support for NAC members, many of whom are not developers. Discussion stressed the need for CBO amendments (work group proposed) and improved monitoring. The report was received and filed. Key Outcomes - CPA Building Historic District: Motion passed to send to formal session with a recommendation to approve. - Housing Choice Voucher Memo (Item 8.3): Motion passed to refer to legislative policy division, bring back in two weeks. - Property Sales (Items 8.1 and 8.2): Both approved and sent to formal session. - Hans Farms Purchase Agreement (Item 7.1): Brought back in two weeks for further information. - M4 Green Buffer Amendment (Item 7.2): Brought back in two weeks. - Grand River Corridor Update (Item 7.3): Received and filed. - CBO Biannual Reports: Received and filed (Items 7.4, 7.6); Future of Health report (Item 7.5) brought back in one week for additional information. - Nuisance Abatement Suit Request (Item 8.4): Motion passed, action taken.

The Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee of the Detroit City Council met on February 26, 2026, to deliberate on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Notice of Funding Availability (NOF) process. The committee reviewed eight appeals from applicants, discussed funding allocation methodology and scoring, and made decisions on the recommended funding chart for the 2026-2027 program year. The meeting included detailed discussion about fairness in funding, technical application issues, and future improvements to the application process. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered, either in person or online. The chair called for public comment three times; none were received. Appeals Review & Decisions - North End Village Nonprofit – Denied. The organization failed to submit proof of operation for the last two years; submitted an annual report dated July 15, 2024, and articles of incorporation, which do not meet the documentation requirements. - Miracles to Inspire Change and Healing After Experiencing Loss (dba Michael Organization) – Approved. The applicant uploaded the required documentation, though in the wrong portal location. HRD located the documents and granted the appeal. - Detroit African Youth Development Organization – Denied. The applicant did not list any board members in the application, which is a threshold requirement. - Amore Esperanza – Denied. The organization did not submit a certificate of good standing; a staff misunderstanding led to the omission. - Southwest Detroit Business Association (SWDBA) – Denied. The organization did not notarize the certification and has significant unspent funds from the prior year ($60,000 remaining of a $64,143 award) with only a month left to draw down funds. Leadership is exploring alternative solutions for this organization. - Two additional unnamed applicants were approved because errors occurred on the city side (Office of Contracting and Procurement) rather than the applicant side. Discussion Items - Appeals Process and Documentation – The committee reviewed a memo clarifying HUD vs. City of Detroit required documents. Councilmembers discussed the need for clear written rules regarding funding allocation for new organizations and the appeals process. - Scoring and Funding Allocation – Councilmember Benson raised concerns about “even-handedness”: four applicants with scores of 96, 95, 92, and 91 received $2,000 less than other applicants with the same scores in the same categories (education and recreation). He argued that funding should strictly correspond to score. HRD explained that new organizations are sometimes given slightly less funding to test capacity, but Councilmember Benson noted this was not clearly communicated in writing. The committee later approved a motion to send the chart back to HRD to recalibrate funding based on score equity, removing the “bump” given to experienced groups. - Application Technical Issues – Multiple councilmembers discussed the high number of disqualifications due to missing documents or incomplete responses. Councilmember Tate noted that past improvements (Oracle to Bonfire) were expected to eliminate these problems, but human error in the Word document portion persists. HRD committed to working with OCP to make each question a separate field in Bonfire to prevent incomplete submissions. - Historical Funding Data – Councilmember Johnson requested a 10-year history of CDBG allocations to the city to better understand funding trends and opportunities for new organizations. This motion was approved. - Conflict of Interest Declarations – Councilmember Benson declared a conflict of interest with applicant 20 (Youth Connection) due to a non-financial relationship (serving as a delegate at a conference). He recused himself from discussion of the education category and left the meeting early. Councilmember Waters had previously recused herself from the entire process. Key Outcomes - Appeals Motion Approved – The committee voted to accept the appeals recommendations provided by HRD, approving three appeals (line items 5, 31, and 38) and denying five others. The approved appeals will be funded through a future reprogramming action. - Funding Chart Recalibration – The committee voted to direct HRD to recalculate funding for four applicant organizations to ensure that funding amounts match scores within each priority category. HRD will provide an updated chart before the formal session. - Process Improvement Commitment – HRD will work with the Office of Contracting and Procurement to restructure the Bonfire application portal so that each question is a separate required field, preventing incomplete submissions. - Historical Report Requested – The committee approved a motion for CPC to provide a 10-year history of CDBG allocations to the city. - Next Steps – The committee expects to receive the recalibrated funding chart and other documentation by Tuesday, March 2, 2026, in time for the formal City Council session where the CDBG NOF recommendations and appeals will be voted on.

This meeting of the Detroit City Council's expanded Planning and Economic Development (PED) committee was called to hold a hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) allocations. After initially lacking a quorum, the committee achieved quorum but voted to postpone the hearing until the following day, February 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Public comment was taken before adjournment. Public Comments & Testimony - Carolyn Hughes spoke about the need to evaluate audits to avoid repeating mistakes and to reduce corruption. She criticized the Building, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) for not issuing tickets to the Leland building and referenced a landlord named Munaz who had been accused of being a slumlord and owed significant money. She also mentioned Joy Road and a Mr. Durha who never reported numbers. Hughes called for CDBG funds to be distributed directly to neighborhoods as in the Coleman A. Young era, rather than through nonprofits, stating residents are capable of managing their own money. - William M. Davis initially appeared in the queue but withdrew his comments, saying he had nothing to say. Discussion Items - The committee struggled to obtain a quorum at the start. After a brief recess, a quorum was achieved with eight members present. - Council President James Tate announced that the hearing would not proceed that day; instead, public comment would be taken, and the meeting would adjourn to continue on February 26 at 2:00 PM. Key Outcomes - The hearing on CDBG and NOF funds was postponed; the expanded PED committee will reconvene on February 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM to continue the hearing. - Public comment was opened and closed, with two speakers (one speaking, one withdrawing). - The meeting adjourned without any votes or decisions on the agenda items.