Detroit City Council Formal Session - March 17, 2026

On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the Detroit City Council held a formal session beginning with an invocation for Ramadan, followed by presentations recognizing deed fraud education partners and a young Mensa scholar. The council then heard public comments, debated items including appointments to the Detroit Land Bank Authority, a two-year moratorium on data centers, and tree trimming contracts, and approved numerous resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• The journal of the March 3, 2026 session was approved.
• Multiple reports from city departments were referred to standing committees without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ruben James Crowley Jr. criticized council members, alleging election fraud and calling Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero a liar.
• Kenneth Isaacson, a paramedic with the Detroit Fire Department, shared his story of overcoming foster care and becoming a first responder, advocating for foster youth programs.
• Char Williams alleged misconduct by Detroit police officers, including identity theft and illegal weapons possession at a shelter.
• Lemisha M. Lee called for better accessibility for disabled citizens, robot legs, and prison reform.
• Ronald Foster urged accountability for vendors like United Housing Coalition, stating they must acknowledge past wrongs.
• Brother Cunningham promoted a hybrid community input meeting and emphasized listening to constituents.
• Stephen Rimmer and Darryl Stewart (Leland residents) raised concerns about security, generator costs, and the lack of transparency in the Leland building redevelopment, urging expedited access to their properties.
• Josh Mann criticized the city's response to Leland break-ins and called for removal of Flock camera systems, labeling them a military weapon.
• Terry Jones reported his house on Rosemary Street was sold without his knowledge and alleged fraud at the Wayne County Deeds Department.
• Anthony Eden (CDAD) presented a transition playbook for the new administration, supporting increased housing trust fund funding and D-Dot investment.
• Online commenters: Betty A. Varner promoted caregiver support services; Shamika alleged sexual assault by DPD and criticized female council members for silence; William Davis praised awardees but noted District 7 lacks libraries and recreation centers; a caller urged recognition for Professor Bernadette Atuahene; Renard Bashewski affirmed transit budget proposals; Chris Gilmer-Hill supported the data center moratorium citing electricity price impacts; Shadante Smith called for downzoning near industrial areas; C. Gina Brown questioned conflict of interest in council votes and neglected District 3; Darren McCoy supported the moratorium and criticized the solar neighborhoods initiative.

Discussion Items

• Deed Fraud Education Series Presentation: Councilmember Mary Waters honored volunteers including Emma Elder Hall, Ted Phillips, Lakeshore Legal Aid, and Suzanne Fanning for their work educating residents. Speakers thanked the council and noted the need for continued efforts—5,500 homes still have untransferred deeds.
• Miles Danzler Recognition: Councilmember Waters presented a Spirit of Detroit award to 8-year-old Miles Danzler, a Mensa achievement honoree (top 2% globally). His parents expressed gratitude and announced plans to visit schools with books and toys.
• Land Bank Authority Appointments (18.1, 18.2): Councilmember Waters objected to approving mayoral appointments without first acting on her resolution to renegotiate the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the state land bank. Council President Tate and others noted ongoing discussions to codify a council appointment. The Law Department clarified the mayor holds appointing authority under state law. Motion to approve 18.1 and 18.2 passed; 18.2 (Donna Givens) received one no vote from Waters.
• Data Center Moratorium (18.8): Councilmember Benson proposed a two-year moratorium on new data centers to allow zoning and environmental study. Several members supported the duration, citing national concerns about energy use and utility costs. Councilmember Young proposed a one-year amendment, which failed. The two-year moratorium passed with opposition from Young (who favored one year) and Miller (who wanted to await constituent input). Member Callaway joined remotely as a co-sponsor.
• Tree Trimming Contracts (21.11–21.17): Councilmember Johnson and Miller objected to contracts awarded to non-Detroit vendors, arguing the city should prioritize local businesses. Member McCampbell stressed the need for Detroiters on these contracts. The contracts were approved despite objections from Johnson, Miller, and Tate on specific items.
• Right to Counsel & Hotline (19.1): Removed from the agenda at the administration's request for further logistics.
• SIMCOG Board Appointments: A resolution to amend appointments was postponed after debate over whether the council president and pro tem are required to serve as delegates. The council decided to hold further discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Journal, committee reports, and most consent items.
• Approved with objections: Land Bank appointment (18.2) – one no; tree trimming contracts (21.12, 21.13, 21.15, 21.16, 21.17) – objections from Johnson, Miller, Tate; data center moratorium (18.8) – objection from Young.
• Removed: Line item 19.1 (Right to Council Hotline) to be resubmitted.
• Postponed: Line item 18.9 (by Young) for one week; SIMCOG resolution for further discussion.
• Waivers denied: Request for waiver on 18.2 was objected; waiver on 21.11–21.17 also objected.
• Walk-on resolutions approved: Three resolutions from Member Waters honoring Miles Danzler, Von Z. Whitlow, and John Richard Seabitt III were placed on new business and approved without objection.
• Member reports: Upcoming events including Women's History Month celebration (March 20), Skill Trade Task Force meeting (March 18), and free Serve Safe manager certification training.