Detroit City Council Budget Hearing on Public Lighting Authority and Department – March 13, 2026

The Detroit City Council held a budget hearing on March 13, 2026, for the Public Lighting Authority (PLA) and Public Lighting Department (PLD). Officials presented their budgets and operational updates, and council members questioned them on mid-block lighting, alley lighting, solar energy, local procurement, artificial intelligence, and employment opportunities. The hearing also included public comments on BZA transcript fees and clean energy.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Several callers criticized the BZA's policy of charging for transcripts (estimates of $5,000 or $750 per page), arguing it creates a paywall and violates the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act which requires transcripts to be filed with the clerk and available to the public.
• One caller advocated for clean energy generation and suggested the city explore options like hydrogen and solar, and questioned the necessity of the PLA and PLD.
• Betty A. Varner, president of the Soda Els War Black Association, requested budget allocations to reduce the $1,500 land use hearing fee for black clubs and to fund corridor revitalization.

Discussion Items

• Budget Presentation: John Primeck (PLD) reported PLD's total budget of $18.5 million, including $10.5 million transferred to PLA, $6.5 million for electricity, $900,000 for the Miss Dig staking program, and $940,000 for salvage and make-safe programs. PLD maintains over 500 miles of conduit, generates $1.2 million from fiber rental, and earned $2.4 million from copper salvage in the prior year.
• PLA Operations: Bo Taylor (PLA) explained the PLA's $10.5 million budget is based on a 2014 interlocal agreement. PLA has replaced all first-generation lights and thousands of poles, achieving 99% operability. Repairs average five days for simple outages and two weeks for major repairs. A bond refinancing provided $10 million upfront and $1.4 million in annual savings to fund the upcoming mid-block lighting program.
• Mid-Block Lighting: Director Donnie Johnson clarified that the $1 million increase in PLA's operating contribution is specifically for mid-block lighting, enabling bond savings to be directed to the program. Taylor stated the new lighting plan will be heavily informed by community input in each council district.
• Alley Lighting: Multiple council members (Miller, McCampbell, Santiago Romero, Callaway) emphasized the need for alley lights, noting residents who enter homes through alleys and those paying out-of-pocket for lights. Taylor said the policy will change, and alley lights will be addressed after the mid-block program, with a focus on resident input. Councilmember Miller called for immediate action and possible reimbursement for neighborhoods that have been paying for alley lights for years.
• Solar and Alternative Energy: Councilmembers Benson and Callaway pressed for pilot solar projects. Taylor expressed caution due to storage and reliability issues at scale but left the door open for small pilots. Councilmember Benson suggested a pilot in District 3. A public caller urged the city to explore clean energy generation.
• AI and Smart Lighting: Councilmember Young detailed potential savings from AI (predictive maintenance, adaptive dimming, optimized routing) including $1.3–$3.2 million in annual savings. Taylor said PLA is evaluating software upgrades with AI integration and encourages staff use of AI for efficiency.
• Local Procurement: Councilmember Benson raised concerns that local lighting suppliers were excluded from bidding. Taylor defended the competitive process based on specification, but committed to better communication and exploring smaller opportunities. A motion was passed to encourage PLA to increase local supplier involvement.
• Mistersky Power Plant: Taylor confirmed the plant is being marketed for sale as-is due to high asbestos removal costs (estimated $2.4 million). Interest exists for potential truck recharging uses near the new bridge.
• Employment: Councilmember Waters asked about Detroiters' employment in lighting. Taylor described the PLANT program (Public Lighting Authority Nurturing Talent), which provides groundman jobs and apprenticeship preparation, leading to wages up to $200,000 per year. He offered to participate in the council's skilled trade task force.
• Jefferson Avenue Lighting: Councilmember Johnson reported 80–90% of lights out on the south side of Jefferson Avenue near Belle Isle. Taylor promised to prioritize the issue and provide written updates.
• Salary Inquiry: Councilmember Callaway asked for Bo Taylor's salary. Taylor stated it is public information but did not recall the exact figure; he offered to provide a copy of his contract in writing.

Key Outcomes

• Motion by Member Benson, seconded by Member McCampbell, to include in the closing resolution a strong encouragement for PLA to get more local suppliers involved in the hardware process of new lighting. Approved.
• Motion by Member McCampbell, seconded by Member Callaway, to move to executive session regarding alley lights and solar. Approved.
• PLA committed to addressing alley lighting after mid-block program with resident engagement, and to providing written responses on Jefferson Avenue lighting and salary information.
• The next full public hearing for the budget was announced for March 30, 2026.