Detroit City Council Meeting – June 30, 2026

The Detroit City Council held a regular session on June 30, 2026, beginning with an invocation and a presentation from the Bell Isle Conservancy on park investments, law enforcement, and ecological work. The majority of the meeting was devoted to public comment and council debate on renewing the ShotSpotter gunshot detection contract (line item 20.9), as well as votes on a countywide transit millage resolution, funding for Lee Plaza affordable senior housing, and numerous other contracts and appointments.

Consent Calendar

• The journal of the June 16, 2026 session was approved.
• Routine approvals included multiple reports to standing committees, referrals, and a series of reappointments and appointments to boards (Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, City Planning Commission, Tenants Rights Commission, Detroit Land Bank Authority).
• Several contracts for emergency demolition, traffic safety supplies, and grant acceptances were approved without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

Over 100 in-person speakers and dozens of online callers addressed the council. The dominant topics were ShotSpotter renewal and sanctuary city demands.

• ShotSpotter Supporters – Approximately 35 speakers (e.g., members of Living Peace Organization, Detroit PAL, precinct community relations councils, and family members of gun victims) argued that the technology saves lives, provides rapid police response, and helps gather evidence. Several cited the case of a 7‑year‑old boy found and rescued after a ShotSpotter alert. Supporters often said “one life is worth more than $2 million.”
• ShotSpotter Opponents – Over 40 speakers (representing ACLU of Michigan, Detroit Community Action Committee, Detroit Anti‑War Committee, Detroit DSA, and other groups) cited data showing that in 2024‑25 only 12% of alerts led to shell casings, 2% to witnesses, and less than 1% to a victim located by first responders. They argued the money should go to community violence intervention (CVI), youth programs, and mental health services. Several also linked ShotSpotter to over‑policing of Black and Brown communities and noted that 15 other cities have canceled the system.
• Sanctuary City – About 10 speakers urged the council to pass a sanctuary city ordinance, claiming DPD was cooperating with ICE deportations. Councilmember Santiago‑Romero responded that her office is working on an ordinance but needs collaborative input from immigrant rights groups.
• Transit Millage – Several callers and in‑person speakers urged support for the Wayne County transit millage on the August 4 ballot, while a few opposed it, arguing it is a new tax and that SMART has not served Detroit well.
• Other Issues – Residents also raised concerns about bed bug infestations at an apartment building, lack of air monitors for polluters, and MLK Memorial Park renovations.

Discussion Items

ShotSpotter Contract (Line Item 20.9) – After public comment, the council heard from Assistant Chief Franklin Hayes, Director Brent of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety, and Board of Police Commissioners member Durrow Woods. They presented anecdotal evidence of lives saved, especially the 7‑year‑old boy, and emphasized that ShotSpotter works in tandem with CVI teams to identify violent hotspots and prevent retaliation. Opposing councilmembers (Santiago‑Romero, McCampbell, Tate, Waters) cited the low yield of arrests, lack of performance metrics, cost ($2 million for seven months), and ownership of data by a private company. Supporters (Benson, Johnson, Miller, Young, Callaway) stressed that the tool saves lives and that an RFP for a cheaper, more mobile system is already underway.

Lee Plaza (Line Item 17.4) – The council considered a $3 million ARPA appropriation to finish 65 additional affordable senior units (total $17.1 million city ARPA investment). Director Julie Schneider explained that the first 117 units are near completion and that the city acts as a creditor, not an owner. Councilmember Callaway opposed, arguing the developer lacks capacity and that other neighborhoods need similar investment. The item passed 6‑3 (Callaway, Johnson, Tate opposed).

Motor City Match (Line Item 19.4) – Postponed one week after Councilmember Callaway requested data on business survival rates and technical assistance.

1728 Michigan Avenue (Line Items 19.8 & 19.14) – Postponed one week to allow further discussion on union participation and affordability commitments.

Other Items – A resolution supporting the Wayne County transit millage (18.14) was approved with nine co‑sponsors. The council also postponed a $56 million security services contract (20.8) for one week.

Key Outcomes

• ShotSpotter Renewal Approved (5‑4) – Line item 20.9, a $2 million amendment to extend the contract through March 2027, passed. Councilmembers Benson, Johnson, Miller, Young, and Callaway voted yes; Santiago‑Romero, McCampbell, Tate, and Waters voted no.
• Lee Plaza Funding Approved (6‑3) – $3 million ARPA for phase two (65 senior units) was approved; Callaway, Johnson, and Tate opposed.
• Transit Millage Resolution Adopted – The council formally endorsed the Wayne County transit millage on the August 4 ballot.
• Land Bank Authority Appointment – After a ballot process, Javon Glenn was appointed to the Detroit Land Bank Authority with six votes.
• Postponements – Motor City Match (19.4), the Michigan Avenue development (19.8 & 19.14), and a security services contract (20.8) were each postponed one week. Line item 19.6 (DESC workforce contract) was approved as amended.
• Waivers – Numerous waivers were attached to contracts and appointments to expedite implementation.