Detroit City Council Meeting on June 16, 2026: ARPA Funding for Wayne Metro Housing Services Approved
Detroit City Council Meeting on June 16, 2026: ARPA Funding for Wayne Metro Housing Services Approved
The Detroit City Council convened on June 16, 2026, with a quorum present. The primary focus was a $1 million ARPA amendment to Wayne Metro for direct homelessness prevention services provided through Detroit Housing Services. Council also addressed a waiver request and a referral change for a demolition item.
Consent Calendar
- None observed in the transcript.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were recorded.
Discussion Items
- Line Item 17.1: ARPA Amendment for Wayne Metro – Dr. Schaefer, representing the administration, requested approval of a $1 million amendment to provide direct services (diversion, security deposits, rent, utilities) for families at risk of homelessness. He acknowledged council concerns about Wayne Metro's performance but stressed the need for continuity and noted that a future transition to other delivery models is being explored. He also announced an additional $900,000 in reprogrammed ARPA funds that could give each council member $100,000 for their chosen projects, with a resolution to follow.
- Councilmember Letitia Johnson questioned the reliance on Wayne Metro, citing concerns about payment delays and capacity issues. She requested data on payment timeliness and suggested other organizations could be more efficient. Dr. Schaefer agreed that diversifying providers is desirable but noted that ARPA funds can only be added to existing contracts, limiting immediate options.
- Councilmember Denzel McCampbell echoed concerns about Wayne Metro's issues being compounded by increased funding and expressed a preference for council control over the whole funding pot.
- Council President James Tate inquired about per-household investment, learning the average is about $2,000 per household, having served 6,000 households. He linked the metrics to future guaranteed income or baby bond proposals.
- A motion to approve line item 17.1 was made and seconded. Councilmembers Scott Benson, Mary Waters, and Angela Whitfield Callaway voted aye, while Letitia Johnson and Denzel McCampbell voted nay. The motion passed 3-2.
Key Outcomes
- Approved: Line item 17.1, the $1 million ARPA amendment for Wayne Metro homelessness prevention services, passed 3-2 (Benson, Waters, Whitfield Callaway in favor; Johnson, McCampbell opposed).
- Directive: The administration will submit a resolution for the $900,000 in reprogrammed ARPA funds (allowing $100,000 per council member) by Thursday, June 18 (Juneteenth holiday on Friday), for a vote the following Tuesday.
- Referral Change: Line item 27.24 (memo from Councilmember Benson regarding Stevens elementary school demolition) was reassigned from the Planning and Economic Development (PED) committee to the Public Health and Safety (PHS) committee by unanimous consent.
- Waiver Granted: A waiver was granted on line item 25.1 (DLBA appointment of Mr. Glenn) with discussion allowed, approved without opposition.
Meeting Transcript
Roll Councilmember Scott Benson. Scott Benson I Councilmember Letitia Johnson. Present. Councilmember Denzel Anton McCampbell. Present. Councilmember Renata Miller. Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero. Ms. Santiago Romero sent the memo indicating that she would not be present today, which means her absence is excused. Clerk was on note. Councilmember Mary Waters. Present. Councilmember Angela Whitfield Callaway. Council President Pro Temporar Coleman A. Young the second. Here. Council President James Tate. Here. Mr. President, you have a corn present. Thank you, man. We have a corn present, which means we're now back in session. Mr. President. Yes. Yes. Member Wall. I'd like to make a motion. Okay, what's the motion? Um I want to request a waiver on 25.1. Discussion. I just get it out of the way. You gotta let me finish though. Uh there's a motion. There's a request for a waiver on line item. What's that number again? 25.1. 25.1. That is the DLBA appointment of Mr. Glenn. Uh with discussion, Member Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I was just curious what the line item was, but thank you. All right. Thank you. Any further colleagues? Say none. Are there any in opposition? I'll let you have this one.
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