Detroit City Council Formal Session – April 7, 2026

The Detroit City Council convened on April 7, 2026, with a quorum present. The meeting included an invocation by Bishop Ethan Shear, approval of the March 26, 2026 journal, referral of 19 reports to standing committees, extensive public comment periods (12 in-person speakers and 19 online callers), and votes on numerous line items. Several items were postponed pending additional information, and the council prepared for a special budget session later that day.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 12 in-person speakers addressed the council on topics including water protection, police responsiveness, court e-filing issues, ICE detention and the need for legal aid for immigrants, city development project irregularities, apartment building safety and landlord retaliation, a healthcare app, police department corruption, Flock surveillance concerns, property tax justice, a community health fair, vacant lot maintenance, and calls for the city to fund legal support for immigrant communities. Several speakers requested that the city impose a moratorium on certain development projects and investigate law department corruption.
  • Craig Sheets urged protection of the Great Lakes and suggested scintillation counters for port containers.
  • Uncle Chico criticized police for not reporting incidents at Greenfield and Six Mile and complained about poor customer service at city hall.
  • David Williams challenged the mandatory e-filing for pro se litigants, citing court rule violations.
  • Glenn Maxwell asked the city to provide legal assistance for residents incorrectly detained by ICE.
  • Brother Cunningham requested bus tickets for meeting attendees and supported free citywide transit.
  • Ann Goulet (licensed architect) recounted a case where city officials allegedly violated the charter in selling community open space and called for a moratorium on city-funded development.
  • Adrian Tines reported tenant safety issues at 375 West Grand Boulevard, alleging landlord retaliation and suspicious deaths.
  • Sonita Lewis presented her healthcare app connecting licensed professionals to homes.
  • Charl Williams asserted that non-citizens should not serve on Detroit Police Department and accused the police department of corruption.
  • Betty Lyons and Tanee Hankins criticized the city’s handling of property and identity theft issues, urging FBI and prosecutor intervention.
  • Josh Man spoke against Flock surveillance and advocated for privacy for future generations.
• 19 online callers provided comments, many echoing themes of property tax reform, immigrant legal aid, mental health services, and community engagement. Notable comments:
  • Betty A. Varner (president of DeSota Ellsworth Black Association) promoted a health fair.
  • A caller expressed support for the Right to Counsel, mental health co-response units, and youth programs.
  • Frank Hammer announced a May Day rally.
  • Sahira Ahmad (Coalition for Property Tax Justice) urged implementation of property tax reform and accurate assessments.
  • Douglas Hayden criticized the Detroit Land Bank Authority for lack of transparency and community-centered decisions.
  • Jay Meeks (Marygrove Community Association president) expressed disappointment over a five-month unresolved property damage claim.
  • Denisha Roberson introduced a violence prevention framework for nightlife (JALEN).

Discussion Items

• Line 20.1 – Emergency Demolition at 3916 Joy Road: Council member Callaway questioned why the city spent $81,890 to demolish a privately owned property without a clear cost recovery process. The demolition had already occurred (Feb 17, 2026). City officials acknowledged that owners are billed after demolition but could not provide specific collection data. Council member McCampbell also asked what prompted the emergency designation. The item was postponed for one week and the council requested a report from the Floyd Allen Group (third-party collector) on past cost recovery efforts.
• Lines 21.2 and 21.4 – Specialty Uniform Contracts: Council member Callaway objected to splitting the uniform contract between Detroit-based Enterprise Uniform Company (Line 21.4, $360,770) and Lavonia-based Alley Brothers (Line 21.2, $275,324), arguing that city funds should stay in Detroit. Detroit Police Captain Jason Adams explained that multiple vendors are needed due to capacity limitations—no single vendor can fill all orders promptly. Council member Callaway moved to postpone line 21.2 for one week to investigate Enterprise’s capacity and whether Lavonia companies ever subcontract to Detroit firms. The motion passed. Line 21.4 (Enterprise) was approved, but a waiver was denied due to an objection from Council member McCampbell.
• Lines 18.1-18.3 – Construction Equipment Contracts ($22.1 million total): Council President Pro Tem Young requested postponement for one week due to additional discussion needed. The motion carried.
• Line 19.9 – Resolution: The administration requested more time for discussion; the item was sent back to committee.
• Budget Special Session Preparation: Council President Tate outlined plans for a 2:00 p.m. executive session to finalize budget schedules and a 4:00 p.m. special session to vote on the budget. The goal was to conclude earlier than in past years.

Key Outcomes

• Postponed for one week (to April 14, 2026):
  • Line 18.1-18.3 (construction equipment contracts – McAllister, McQueen, Brown Equipment)
  • Line 20.1 (emergency demolition at 3916 Joy Road) – also requested a report on cost recovery from the Floyd Allen Group
  • Line 21.2 (specialty uniforms – Alley Brothers)
• Approved:
  • Line 17.1 (postponed from last week) – approved at end of meeting
  • Line 19.1-19.8 (ordinance introductions, public hearing settings, annual HOME/ARP/CDBG awards) – all approved; waiver attached to 19.7
  • Line 20.2-20.4 (EMS software, health impact assessment, brownfield redevelopment) – approved
  • Line 20.5-20.6 (various grants) – approved with waivers
  • Line 21.1 (bus shelter extension – Brooklyn Outdoor) – approved with waiver
  • Line 21.3 (Toyota Mobility Foundation grant) – approved with waiver
  • Line 21.4 (specialty uniforms – Enterprise Uniform) – approved, but waiver denied
  • Line 21.5 (fiduciary services – DEGC) – approved
  • Line 21.6 (banners) – approved with waiver
• Other Actions:
  • Line 19.9 sent back to committee
  • Special session called for 4:00 p.m. to vote on the fiscal year budget
  • Waivers requested and granted on several items; waiver on 21.4 denied

Member Reports & Announcements

• Council member Callaway: Invited residents to a street naming ceremony for Viola Liuzzo on April 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Mansville and Pembroke, and a coffee and conversation on April 13 at 8:00 a.m. at J Zoo.
• Council member Johnson: Announced an evening council meeting in District 4 on April 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Fountain of Truth.
• Council member Benson: Promoted free one-day food safety training and certificate exams on multiple dates; sign up via Michigan Works Detroit.
• Council member Waters: Announced a skill trades task force meeting on April 15 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. at 2161 West Grand Boulevard.
• Council member Santiago Romero: Invited residents to a public meeting on future zoning on April 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Limit Direct Center; a dance day event on April 11 at Patton Park (12-2 p.m.); and office hours on April 20 at Kemini Rec Center (4-6 p.m.).
• Council President Pro Tem Young: Hosted “Coffee with Coleman” on April 10 at 1:00-3:00 p.m. at 6340 East Jefferson Avenue, focusing on small business opportunities and city contracts.

Budget Process

Council President Tate noted that a special session was scheduled for 4:00 p.m. to vote on the budget after a 2:00 p.m. executive session. Chief Financial Officer Whitaker explained that the executive session would finalize changes to ensure a balanced budget, and the closing resolution would be prepared for the afternoon vote.