Detroit City Council Regular Session - March 3, 2026

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.