Detroit City Council Formal Session - February 17, 2026

The Detroit City Council held its formal session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, convening at 9:00 AM. The meeting included a moment of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson, public comment on multiple issues, and discussion of key items including voting rights, sanctuary city status, tenant protections at the Leland House, and Detroit Police Department (DPD) policies regarding ICE. The council voted on several resolutions, referred items to committees, and took action on a nuisance abatement motion for the Leland House.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the journal of the session of February 3, 2026.
• Referral of reports to standing committees (Budget Finance & Audit, Internal Operations, Planning & Economic Development, Public Health & Safety).
• Approval of multiple contracts and grant awards (e.g., lactation pods, bus tire services, HIV support services, community health services) with no objections.
• Reappointments to the Human Rights Commission, Historic Designation Advisory Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Approval of events and ordinances on first reading.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Voting Rights (Resolution 17.17): Multiple speakers supported the resolution opposing the Michigan version of the SAVE Act. Ben Gardner (All Voting is Local) argued it would create barriers for eligible voters, especially low-income and minority communities. Morgan Boydston (United Way) noted over half of Wayne County households struggle to afford basic needs, making passport costs prohibitive. Deanne Austin (District 2 resident) and Allison Grigsby (Voters Not Politicians) emphasized the impact on seniors, married women, and LGBTQ+ residents. Casey Pellet (Detroit Disability Power) highlighted barriers for disabled voters.
• Sanctuary City: Several speakers urged the council to declare Detroit a sanctuary city and end DPD collaboration with ICE. Ashley Anderson (Detroit Community Action Committee) and Rue Rodriguez (District 6 resident) argued that ICE activity is already harming families and that city resources should be used for community needs rather than federal enforcement. Other speakers opposed sanctuary city status, citing concerns about federal funding and public safety (e.g., Betty Lyons, e Liberty).
• Leland House Tenant Displacement: Multiple tenants and advocates (including Wendy Gill, Catherine Guyton, Daryl Stewart, and Stephen Rimmer of the Detroit Tenant Union) described being forced to evacuate without retrieving their belongings. They demanded the city allow residents to re-enter the building to collect personal property, including medication, birth certificates, and heirlooms. Donovan McCarty (MSU Housing Justice Clinic) criticized the city for obstructing tenant efforts and called for the city to acquire the building.
• Other Issues: Charles Miles raised concerns about illegal property tax foreclosure; Russ Bellant questioned a 23% projected water rate increase; Veronica Smith (Coalition of Property Tax Justice) outlined an action plan for property tax reform; and several speakers addressed DPD accountability, cannabis industry leadership, and transit issues.

Discussion Items

• DPD-ICE Collaboration: Assistant Chief Charles Fitzgerald confirmed that two officers had contacted federal agencies for language interpretation, violating department policy. He stated the officers are under investigation and could face termination. The chief has recommended relieving them of duty. Councilmembers expressed concern about the lack of a public hotline for reporting ICE collaboration and the need for stronger accountability. Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallet clarified that the city controls its own resources and can legislate to prevent collaboration, but cannot stop federal actions.
• Leland House Update: Corporation Counsel Mallet detailed the city's three-year legal effort to force the owner to comply with codes, culminating in a bankruptcy filing. The building remains without power due to a broken transformer; the fire marshal has deemed it unsafe for tenant re-entry. The city has permission from 20 of 31 tenants to have a professional moving company pack and store belongings, but tenants demand the right to retrieve items themselves. The next court hearing is February 24, 2026. Councilmembers criticized the slow response and called for immediate action to restore power (estimated $75,000) and allow supervised tenant retrieval. Chelsea Neblett (HRD) committed to working with the fire department on a creative solution within 48 hours.
• NEZ Zoning (Item 16.1): Councilmember McCampbell questioned why a new build in the core city NEZ was not eligible for a homestead NEZ. CPC staff confirmed the area is not in a homestead district, and the core city NEZ has been in place since 2004. The item was approved after clarification.
• Lactation Pods (Item 19.1): Dr. Iris Taylor explained the six locations were selected based on WIC enrollment data, geographic equity, and partnerships with community organizations. Two pods are in Southwest Detroit (District 6) due to high demand. Councilmembers noted the absence of sites in Districts 1 and 7 but approved the contract.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution in Support of Local Democracy (17.17): Approved unanimously. The council opposed the documentary proof of citizenship mandate, citing disproportionate impacts on low-income, elderly, and minority voters.
• Waiver of Privilege for ICE Memos: The council voted to waive attorney-client privilege for two memos (from LPD and Law Department) regarding DPD-ICE interaction, making them public.
• Resolution Supporting Michigan Senate Bills 508-510 (20.8): Approved, calling for sensitive locations where ICE cannot enter without a warrant and requiring agents to unmask during enforcement.
• Leland House Nuisance Abatement: Councilmember Mary Waters motioned to initiate a nuisance abatement suit for the property at 400 Bagley (Leland House). The motion passed without objection.
• Committee of the Whole: Scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 2:30 PM to discuss local option admission and sales tax policies.
• Appointments: Sherry Jackson and Dr. Eric Carter reappointed to the Human Rights Commission; Maya Campbell appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals; Butch Hollowell appointed to the Public Lighting Authority (after two other candidates withdrew).
• Referrals: Items 22.1, 23.2, and 23.14 were re-referred to appropriate committees.

Additional Notes

• The council observed a moment of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson.
• Public comment collection closed before proceeding to voting items.
• The meeting adjourned after all business was completed.