Detroit City Council Formal Session – July 7, 2026
Detroit City Council Formal Session – July 7, 2026
The Detroit City Council met on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in formal session. The meeting opened with an invocation by Bishop Corey J. Chavis, followed by special presentations honoring veteran advocate Ronald Foster and recognizing Stevie Wonder (via his representative). A lengthy public comment period featured over 40 in‑person and online speakers, primarily focused on tenant protections, utility rates, and property tax justice. The council then considered numerous contract approvals, a major settlement agreement regarding slumlord properties, the annual recess calendar, and several other items. Multiple votes were postponed for additional information.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of the journal for June 23, 2026.
- Referral of numerous reports to standing committees (Budget, Finance & Audit; Internal Operations; Neighborhood & Community Services; Planning & Economic Development; Public Health & Safety).
- Line items 17.1 through 17.3 (MRO and safety supply contracts) were approved with objections from Councilmember Callaway on 17.2 (MSC Industrial – Lavonia) and 17.3 (Fastenal – Fraser) due to non‑Detroit locations. Councilmember Waters noted 18 Detroit residents employed by MSC and a joint venture with a Detroit minority‑owned firm.
- Line item 17.5 (grant approval) approved with a waiver.
- Line item 17.4 (contract) approved.
- Line item 17.6 (NEZ certificate) approved.
- Line items 18.1 and 18.2 (toll management services and investigative case management software) approved, with 18.1 noted as approved despite one objection from Councilmember Benson.
- Line items 18.4 through 18.11 (law department settlements and resolutions) approved.
- Line item 18.13 (Michigan Indigent Defense Commission grant – $8+ million) approved.
- Line items 19.1 through 19.3 (Motor City Match, AC installation, and North Corktown redevelopment) approved, with one objection from Councilmember Waters on 19.3.
- Line items 19.7 through 19.12 (planning & development items) approved.
- Line items 20.1 through 20.4 (security services, HVAC, bus wrap repair, concrete work) approved with an objection from Councilmember Callaway on 20.2.
- Line items 21.1 through 21.6 (mayor’s office resolutions) approved with waivers.
- Line item 21.8 (recycling education contract) approved with a waiver.
- Line items 21.9 and 21.10 (park improvements at Cass Park and Farwell Park) approved.
- Line items 21.11 through 21.13 (grant applications) approved.
- Line item 21.14 (residential parking permit public hearing) approved.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Tenant rights coalition: Multiple speakers from the Detroit Tenants Union and residents requested the council pass a “right to renew with good cause” ordinance. They argued that state law does not preempt such an ordinance, citing legal opinions from multiple attorneys and the example of Ann Arbor. Speakers highlighted that approximately 85% of rentals are not compliant with the city’s rental compliance ordinance and that tenants face retaliation, unsafe conditions, and eviction without cause.
- Shelby Campbell: Asked why 85% of rentals are non‑compliant eight years after the ordinance; urged requiring proof of compliance before eviction filing and real penalties.
- Katie O’Donnell: Called for the DTU’s ordinance, noting cases like Princess Brown and Sherman Butler; said the city’s preemption opinion is disputed.
- Madeline Smith: Shared personal trauma as a tenant and supported the ordinance.
- Daryl Stewart: Reported ongoing financial, medical, and emotional effects from the Leland House crisis.
- Stephen Rimmer (DTU director): Cited multiple legal opinions disagreeing with the law department’s preemption stance; announced a legal complaint against 36th District Court.
- Robert Beliti: Supported right to renew, noting only 14% compliance and the imbalance of power.
- Joshua Mann: Criticized the city’s vote for ShotSpotter and a CVI group, questioning data and professionalism.
- Adrian Times: Described pest infestations and lack of response at 375 W Grand Boulevard; asked for FBI investigation.
- Julie Garrison: Supported right to renew; described flooding and lack of compliance at Alden Towers; said the landlord raised rent while failing to fix issues.
- Utility and energy: Several speakers criticized DTE for rate hikes, power outages, and the proposed $474 million increase. Jerry Goldberg and others asked council to intervene with the Michigan Public Service Commission and demand public hearings in Detroit.
- Property tax overpayment: Barbara Logan and others called for compensation for the $600 million in overpaid property taxes.
- Data centers: Multiple speakers opposed data center development due to environmental and noise concerns; some referenced the working group but demanded more public input.
- Veterans and community: Betty A. Varner thanked Councilmember McCampbell for assistance and requested help for the Rise Detroit event. Mr. Foster (award recipient) spoke about integrity and unity.
- Other: Concerns about bus on‑time performance at DDOT, lack of grocery stores, safe spaces for youth, and maintenance of freeway‑adjacent lots were also raised.
Discussion Items
- MRO Contracts (17.1–17.3): Director Ustall explained the three‑vendor approach to ensure competition and supply. Councilmember Callaway objected to non‑Detroit companies (Lavonia and Fraser) receiving city funds. Councilmember Waters highlighted local employment and the Detroit minority‑owned joint venture. The contracts were approved with objections noted.
- Munoz Settlement (18.3): Attorney Harrison detailed a court‑ordered abatement plan for approximately 299 properties owned or managed by Gaston Munoz. The plan requires abating 10 properties per month, with a 50% reduction in blight tickets upon successful reinspection. Councilmembers expressed concerns: President Tate asked how many properties are occupied and why occupied units aren’t prioritized; Councilmember Miller called the deal “too sweet” and opposed it; Councilmember McCampbell noted that 88 of the properties are in District 7; Councilmember Johnson questioned what happens upon non‑compliance and noted the lack of a rent escrow requirement. Attorney Harrison argued that the agreement gives the city court jurisdiction and allows filing of lis pendens. The vote was postponed one week to obtain data on occupied properties.
- Recess Calendar (18.12): The resolution set council recess for August and September, returning September 1, 2026. Councilmember Waters preferred a post‑Labor Day return. The law department advised that the resolution can be changed. The vote was postponed one week to allow a calendar change resolution.
- Detroit Detention Center Health Services (21.7): Councilmember McCampbell raised reports of extreme heat without air conditioning at the facility. Captain Eggers described current mitigation (fans, water every 30 minutes, ice, nursing checks) and said the chief is working on a long‑term solution. The temperature is tracked hourly. Councilmember Callaway asked about Detroit‑based options for the health services contract. The vote was postponed one week for further information.
- Disability Pride Month Resolution: Councilmember McCampbell introduced and moved to approve as amended (correcting a typo). The resolution recognizes July as Disability Pride Month, noting that 16% of Detroit’s under‑65 population has a disability and the 2025 theme “The world works better with us.” Approved without objection.
Key Outcomes
- Approvals: Most consent calendar items and routine resolutions were approved, many with waivers and several with individual objections.
- Postponements:
- Line item 18.3 (Munoz settlement) postponed one week to obtain data on occupied properties.
- Line item 18.12 (recess calendar) postponed one week to align the return date with post‑Labor Day.
- Line item 19.4 (brownfield redevelopment) postponed one week.
- Line item 19.5 (housing item) postponed one week.
- Line item 20.5 (Newt Holdings LLC concrete work) postponed one week.
- Line item 21.7 (detention center health services) postponed one week for further questions and AC concerns.
- Walks‑on: The disability pride resolution was walked on and adopted.
- Directives: Council will receive quarterly reports on the Munoz settlement. The administration was asked to provide a list of attorneys for the indigent defense grant and to prioritize occupied properties in the Munoz abatement plan.
Meeting Transcript
Of Tuesday, July 7th, 2026, will come to order. Madam Clerk, would you please fall the road? Yes, Mr. President. Councilmember Scott Benson. Councilmember Letitia Johnson. Councilmember Denzel and Tom McCampbell. Councilmember Renata Miller. Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero. Present. Councilmember Mary Waters. Present. Councilmember Angela Whitfield Callaway. Council President Pro Tim Coleman Ayon the second. Here. Council President James Tate. Here. Mr. President, you have a quorum. Thank you, every quorum, which means we're now in session. We will allow like to continue the collection of public comment cards for those who are in attendance. If you have not received, if you would like to address the body and you have not received a comment card, please raise your hand and someone from my team will certainly come by and provide you with one of those comment cards. You can place your name on it. We'll place you in the queue. If you're online and you would like to provide a comment to the body during this meeting, please raise your hand and we will place you in the queue as well. Currently, we have 23 cards for those who are in person currently. Again, if you're online and would like to provide public comment, please raise your hand in person. Raise your hand as well. We will be cutting off the collection of public comments, cards very shortly. But we're now getting to our uh introduction of our clergy. Uh, providing this morning's invocation. We have none other than a brother and a friend of mine, city and residents, the children, you name it. He is uh often in that space doing great work. We have senior pastor and founder of Victory Community Church, Bishop Corey J. Chavis. Uh yeah, we take a hand clap. He's joining us online this morning. Uh located the Victory Community Church is located on at 14025 Hubble Avenue in District One. Uh Bishop Shavis is has faithfully served the Detroit community through ministry, education, and civic leadership for more than three decades. Uh, in addition to his pastoral ministry, Bishop Shavis uh serves as the principal of the West Building of Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences, and it's the author of multiple critically acclaimed books, including the vocabulary of success and winning before the wedding. His commitment to developing leaders, strengthening families, and empowering communities expands extends beyond the pulpit through his work as an educator and an advocate for positive change. Uh, Bishop, thank you so much for joining us this morning. Uh, the floor is yours, sir. Thank you so much. Uh, Council President, can you hear me okay? Yes, sir. Thank you so much again. Uh, we appreciate you, uh, Council President. Um, and thank you so much for having us as a part. Uh Council Pro Tim, God bless you as well.
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