Detroit City Council Regular Session - June 16, 2026

The Detroit City Council held its regular session on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with all members present except Councilmember Santiago Romero (excused). The session included special presentations, public comments, and consideration of numerous resolutions and ordinances. Key discussions centered on a special curfew ordinance for the June 22 fireworks, reprogramming of ARPA funds, and landlord compliance issues.

Special Presentations

• Councilmember Callaway presented a Spirit of Detroit Award to Mr. Ted Gloucester Jr., founder of the Foraging Initiative, for transforming vacant lots and empowering youth. Gloucester spoke about his work and commitment to healing through economics.
• Councilmember McCampbell presented a Spirit of Detroit Award to Ms. Minnie Davis, recognizing over 45 years of service as a foster parent, mentor, and founder of Young Men in Motion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• In-person speakers: Urban Morrow praised youth leadership and raised concerns about ARPA spending. Shar Williams alleged issues with census population counts and mishandling of funds. Donovan McCarty (Director, Housing Justice Clinic at MSU) thanked the council for a 2024 ordinance making it unlawful for landlords without certificates of compliance to collect rent, and filed a demand letter in 36th District Court to enforce it. Betty Lyons criticized the city for giving millions to undeserving entities and urged support for the young awardee Ted Gloucester Jr. Brittany Blackwell (Midwest Regional Director, Delta Sigma Theta) and Edwina King requested approval of an ordinance for the sorority's Midwest Regional Conference at Hart Plaza, bringing 5,000 visitors. Dolores Jackson announced a community outreach event at Milliken Park on July 5. Minnie Davis raised concerns about shelters and homelessness. Josh Mann opposed LPR (license plate reader) technology, noting 69 cities have rejected it. Michael Humphrey promoted restarting college scholarship fairs and a job creation program. Brother Cunningham advocated for better bus service and thanked the city for support.
• Online callers (26 total): Many spoke on the solar neighborhood initiative, with Sandra Turner Hardy supporting the contract transfer to DTE to ensure resident upgrades, while others opposed eminent domain use. Several callers criticized the proposed curfew, arguing it penalizes youth, while others supported it for safety. Brenda Butler raised health concerns about the Glee Pump Station project. Dr. Denise Darnell thanked councilmembers and supported various ARPA extensions. Betty Varner asked for support of a mini market and park expansion, and requested waiver of land-use hearing fees. Others spoke on property tax justice, housing, and the need for grocery stores.

Discussion Items

• Curfew Ordinance (22.1): Debate on a superceding curfew for the June 22 fireworks from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. in a defined downtown area, requiring minors to be accompanied by an adult age 21 or over. Supporters (Councilmembers Callaway, Miller, Young, Benson, Tate, and Johnson) argued it is necessary for safety given past incidents and planned "teen takeovers." Opponents (Councilmembers McCannbell and Waters) said it criminalizes youth, is ineffective, and sends a negative message. Assistant Chief Haynes and Director Brent highlighted that enforcement will be targeted at incidents, not blanket profiling, and that resources for youth engagement and diversion are available. The ordinance passed 7-2.
• ARPA Fund Reprogramming (17.1): Proposed resolution to allocate $1 million to Wayne Metro for housing services and $2.7 million to the city council for discretionary use (approximately $300,000 per member). Councilmembers Miller, Johnson, and Callaway expressed preference for the full $3.7 million to be allocated to council districts, rejecting the mandatory Wayne Metro portion. Discussion included concerns about Wayne Metro's capacity and desire to direct funds to basement backup protection and direct residential repairs. The item was postponed to the end of the agenda for further negotiation with the administration; a revised resolution may be presented.
• Landlord Compliance Signage: Councilmember Callaway proposed a motion for LPD to explore requiring a compliance sign in rental property windows, similar to restaurant placards, to inform tenants if a landlord holds a certificate of compliance. Concerns raised about potential "scarlet letter" effects but ultimately motion passed.
• Other postponed items: Line items 19.5 (liquor license), 21.1 (request to speak), 22.6 (imaging contract), 22.7/22.8 (solar contract transfer to DTE), 22.9 (sewer contract – LGC Global), and 22.10 (water system improvements – Palmer Park) were postponed for one week or to the June 23 special session (for 22.7/22.8) due to needing more information.

Key Outcomes

• Curfew ordinance (22.1) approved 7-2 (Councilmembers McCannbell and Waters dissenting) with a waiver. Superseding curfew will be in effect June 22 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the downtown fireworks zone.
• Many resolutions and contracts approved without objection, including appointments (18.1, 18.7, 18.8), contract extensions (18.2, 18.3), and various ARPA and bond-funded projects (19.2, 19.3, 19.4, 20.1, 22.3-22.5, 22.12-22.22, 22.24, and testimonial resolutions).
• Delta Sigma Theta petition (22.2) approved with waiver.
• ARPA reprogramming (17.1) postponed to the end of the formal session pending further discussion with administration about reallocating the full $3.7 million to council discretion.
• Landlord compliance motion referred to LPD for study and potential ordinance amendment.
• Special session scheduled for June 23 at 3 p.m. to consider items postponed from this meeting, including solar contracts.
• Closed session scheduled immediately following the public session to discuss pending litigation.