Detroit City Council Committee Meeting – September 14, 2026

The Detroit City Council Committee met on September 14, 2026, following summer recess. The agenda included public comments, unfinished business, new business, and member reports. Dangerous buildings hearings were scheduled for 1:30 PM. The meeting was chaired by the committee chair, with approval of previous minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Adrian Tynes described ongoing issues with her landlord, including alleged harassment, eviction, and criminal activity. She stated that an inspector supervisor failed to appear and that her evidence was stolen via hacking. She claimed the landlord has a history of violence and that police are unresponsive. She asked for investigation at all levels.
• Brother Cunningham promoted a community program offering free Tigers tickets and transportation for unsung heroes, and announced a D-DOT meeting on September 17 with pizza and bus passes. He also asked for prayers and donations for vehicle troubles.
• George Etheridge (Airbnb representative) expressed support for the short-term rental licensing and regulatory ordinance (Item 6.9) but requested a dedicated discussion with platform providers before a public hearing, citing liability issues under litigation.
• Dr. Denise Darnell reported on a community coffee hour hosted by Councilmember Angela Whitfield Callaway, highlighted DPSCD board meeting and voting importance.
• Caller "Black Bag" accused Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Ramirez of lying about reading voter fraud findings, defended his reputation, and referenced family ties to the University of Michigan.
• Another caller read a poem originally posted by Brother Cunningham about homelessness and thanked the chief and Chi Better Sing for housing assistance.
• William M. Davis emphasized emergency preparedness, voting, and criticized past emergency management.
• Carolyn Hughes was unable to be heard due to technical issues.

Discussion Items

• Unfinished Business (Items 5.1–5.27): Discussed memos, contracts, and demolitions. Key discussions included:
  • 5.4 (cost recovery changes): Brought back TBD pending updates.
  • 5.5 (waiver for blight fines): Brought back in two weeks for law department research.
  • 5.9 (vacation of alleys for SWAV Enterprise): Brought back one week to notify district councilmember.
  • 5.13 (contaminated backfill): Brought back one week for additional information.
  • 5.15 (Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety services): Brought back one week; administration to provide response.
  • 5.22 (grants management software): Removed as approved during recess.
  • 5.27 (emergency demo at 2013 Omira): Brought back one week because it was misassigned to HRD; clarification requested.
  • 5.23–5.26 (emergency demolitions): Sent to formal without recommendation.
• New Business (Items 6.1–6.48):
  • 6.1 (hangar lease at airport): Brought back one week; concerns about $5,230/month rent.
  • 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.8: Removed as approved during recess.
  • 6.6 and 6.7 (grant acceptance): Approved and sent to formal.
  • 6.9 (short-term rental ordinance): Brought back TBD after public comment from Airbnb.
  • 6.10 (storm water management): Sent to formal for introduction and public hearing.
  • 6.11–6.12 (ordinance repealing Article 10 of Chapter 20, reorganizing into Chapter 16): Sent to formal; law department explained it improves organization, no department shift.
  • 6.15 (community blight court update): Approved and sent to formal.
  • 6.22 (Pan African flag resolution): Initially approved, then reconsidered and removed because it was already walked on.
  • 6.23 (national preparedness month resolution): Approved.
  • 6.24 (tenant escrow program ordinance): Brought back in three weeks for law department review.
  • 6.28 (demolition prioritization resolution): Approved.
  • 6.30–6.34, 6.37: Approved.
  • 6.35–6.36: Removed upon request.
  • 6.38–6.44 (various memos on demolitions follow-up, litter prevention, safer streets, preparedness, climate/weather impacts, air quality): All brought back in two weeks.
  • 6.45–6.48 (data centers, ban on kratom, short-term rental issues, e-bike safety): Brought back in two weeks.

Key Outcomes

• Votes/Decisions:
  • Many items received and filed or approved with recommendations to formal.
  • Several items brought back for further information (1 week, 2 weeks, or TBD).
  • The short-term rental ordinance (6.9) held for further discussion; Airbnb’s request for a dedicated platform-provider meeting noted.
  • The tenant escrow ordinance (6.24) delayed three weeks.
  • The Pan African flag resolution (6.22) was removed after reconsideration.
• Directives:
  • Law department to research waiver of blight fines and fees (5.5).
  • Administration to provide report on Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety (5.15).
  • Construction and Demolition Department to explain misassignment of demo contract (5.27).
  • Discussion on air quality monitor at 6th precinct (noted in member reports).
• Member Reports:
  • Councilmember Waters announced a skilled trades task force meeting on September 23.
  • Councilmember McCampbell announced D7 monthly meeting on September 24 and a disability task force meeting on September 25. He also acknowledged a recent violent incident in District 7.
  • Chair highlighted a truck enforcement event and invited residents to District 6 monthly meeting on September 16.
• Next Steps: The committee recessed until 1:30 PM for dangerous buildings hearings.