Detroit City Council Regular Session - March 10, 2026
Detroit City Council Regular Session - March 10, 2026
The Detroit City Council held its regular session on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, addressing the ongoing Leland House tenant relocation crisis, approving multiple contracts and resolutions, and hearing extensive public testimony. The meeting included detailed updates from the Corporation Counsel on negotiations with tenants, discussions on HIV/AIDS services, and votes on budget and operational items.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Dozens of residents spoke in person and online, many expressing anger and frustration over the city's handling of the Leland House. Speakers called for immediate action, criticized delays, and demanded accountability for the building owner.
- Other topics included property tax overassessment (calls for the city assessor to obtain MMAO certification and enforce 2023 reform ordinance), allegations of election fraud (disputed by council members as disinformation), concerns about the Detroit Land Bank Authority’s sales process, public transit reliability (suggestion for bus lateness certificates), opposition to a development at Butzel Family Center, and a resident’s experience with the Detroit Police Department’s handling of a sexual assault investigation.
Discussion Items
- Leland House Update: Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallet reported the city’s offer: tenants may have a full day, with two helpers, to pack personal belongings; a moving company will complete packing; the city will move belongings to storage or, for 14 households already relocated, to their permanent homes. The city will bear the cost ($850,000) and is willing to extend the sign-up window from 7 to 21 days. Mediation with Judge Popke is set for March 18, 2026. Council members voiced frustration with past inaction, emphasized the need for proactive enforcement, and called for systemic change to prevent future crises. Council Member Miller and others questioned the law department’s stance on liability and demanded accountability for the owner.
- HIV/AIDS Services: Deputy Director of Public Health Christina Floyd reported 5,718 Detroit residents living with HIV (11,858 in the metropolitan area) and an 88% viral suppression rate. Discussion covered prevention efforts, outreach to seniors, and details on multiple grant-funded contracts totaling over $16 million.
- Firefighter Turnout Gear Contract: A $4.3 million contract with a Springfield, Ohio company for replacement gear was questioned by Council Member Callaway regarding the lack of Michigan bidders with sufficient capacity. Procurement noted three bidders, including one from northern Michigan that lacked capacity.
- Bus Shelters and Benches Contract: A $557,100 contract for installation of 110 shelters and 200 benches was discussed; a location list is forthcoming after state and federal approvals.
Key Outcomes
- Leland House: No formal vote; council directed the law department to continue negotiations and provide an update at the next formal session (March 17, 2026).
- Approved Contracts and Resolutions:
- Line items 17.1, 17.2, 18.1–18.3, 18.5–18.8, 19.3–19.8, 20.1 (with one objection from McCampbell), 20.2, 20.3, 21.4–21.16 (with discussion), 21.24 (with one objection from Callaway), 21.25, and 32.1 were approved.
- Waivers were granted for line items 18.1, 18.2, 19.1, 19.4, 19.6, 19.7, 21.4, 21.15, and 21.25.
- Postponed Items:
- Line item 18.9 (appointment of Sabrina McCaskill to Board of Zoning Appeals) postponed one week.
- Line item 19.2 (pending documentation) postponed one week.
- Line items 21.17–21.23 (tree trimming contract) postponed one week for member questions.
- Zoning Change Passed: Rezoning of two Melbourne Street properties from R3 to B4 (19.1) passed 9-0.
- Appointments and Resolutions: Richie Harrison reappointed to City Planning Commission (18.8); Black History Month resolution approved (20.3) with Benson joining; disability task force resolution (18.7) amended to include Johnson and Young.
Meeting Transcript
The regular session of Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 will come to order. Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll? Sure. Councilmember Scott Benson. Councilmember Letitia Johnson present. Councilmember Denzel and Tom McCampbell. Member McCampbell did indicate he is on his wife. Clerk will so note Mr. President. Councilmember Renata Miller. Here. Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero. Present. Councilmember Mary Waters. Councilmember Angela Whitfield Callaway. Council President Pro Tim Coleman A on the second. Council President. Thank you. Council President James Tate. Here. Mr. President, you have a call. Thank you so much. And I neglected to note that Member Waters also indicated that she is on her way. My apologies. Our clergy did not arrive, have not arrived yet. But we have our very own David Whitaker. Mr. Whitaker is decided to uh grace us with the opening prayer for this morning. Mr. Whitaker, man of many talents. And it's hard as always with the city. Mr. President, I I agree to do this if I could sing. Normally, when people ask me to come to the mic, it's not to pray as the same. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. There we go. Yes, sir. Our father. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in his give us this day. Our day bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debt hours and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thy is the kingdom and the palm water and the glory for that said, a man of many talents. And we will have you back next week. We've got a couple more slots for the remainder of the month. Thank you, Mr. Whitaker. We appreciate you. Thank you.
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