Detroit City Council Regular Meeting – October 6, 2026

The Detroit City Council convened on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM (transcript start time) with 8 members present (Councilmember Benson absent). The meeting included a Spirit of Detroit Award presentation to Curtis Sylvester, extensive public comment on multiple topics, and consideration of numerous agenda items including appointments, zoning, Kratom regulation, and transit services.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the journal of the September 22, 2026 formal session.
• Routine reports from city departments were referred to standing committees (Budget Finance & Audit: 4 reports; Internal Operations: 12 reports; Public Health & Safety: 20 reports; Neighborhood & Community Services: 11 reports; Planning & Economic Development: 7 reports).
• Numerous resolutions were approved without objection, including items 15.1, 15.2, 16.1–16.2, 16.4–16.15, 17.1–17.2, 18.7, 20.1–20.5, 20.7–20.10, 20.11, 31.1–31.4, 31.5–31.7, and 24.2.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Transit Vouchers (Paratransit): Stephen Hanshu, Anthony Sawyer, Beatrice Luckett, Louise Johnson, Sabrina Rice, Corey Collins, Dwayne Rudd, and Richard Clay (President, Detroit Advocates of the Blind) spoke in favor of a voucher program to allow paratransit users to use Lyft/Uber/taxis for trips outside Detroit. They noted that the current same-day service uses up 100 rides by 9 AM, and the former New Freedom program was never refunded. The proposal would be at no cost to the city, using existing trip subsidies. Several speakers described difficulty accessing medical appointments and social activities across 8 Mile.
• Kratom Regulation: Many speakers (Danielle Kelly, Jacob Smith, Brian Bitnarski, Brittany Septon, Amanda Barnes, Melody Wolfe, Beth, and numerous callers) urged the council to oppose a total ban on natural Kratom leaf (House Bill 5537) and instead support Senate Bill 1181, which would regulate synthetic compounds (7-OH), require labeling, age limits, and lab testing. Personal stories highlighted relief from chronic pain, opioid addiction recovery, and improved quality of life. A few speakers supported a ban, citing a son's death from natural Kratom.
• Police Commission Appointment: Jacob Smith and Sarah Hobel (National Lawyers Guild) opposed the appointment of Harvey Santana to the Board of Police Commissioners, arguing his law enforcement ties undermine civilian oversight and the legacy of Coleman Young.
• Data Center Moratorium: Ray Smith and Karen Hammer urged the council to pause permits for AI data centers, citing noise, water use, electricity grid impacts, and lack of community benefit agreements. Ray Smith argued for education and workforce training instead.
• Other Issues: Miss Lyons alleged $600 million in overpaid property taxes; Latoria Williams raised concerns about a mass shooting on Press Street and asked about CVI group effectiveness; Salah Almulaki (translated) requested more police and blight cleanup; Andrew Daniels described illegal dumping and land bank delays; Betty A. Warner sought funding for the Fink corridor; one caller urged support for anti-war candidate Abdul El-Sayed; a caller accused the city clerk of election cheating; and a speaker requested humane treatment of homeless individuals.

Discussion Items

• Harvey Santana Appointment (Item 16.16): Councilmember Callaway reported opposition from callers. Councilmembers Johnson and Santiago-Romero expressed concern about Santana's ties to law enforcement, noting civilian oversight requires independence. Santana, via phone, stated he serves as an unpaid Wayne County Sheriff's reserve but would step down if appointed, and his role as state director for Just Safe (public safety advocacy) does not conflict. He emphasized his 30 years of honorable service. The appointment was approved over objections from Councilmembers Santiago-Romero and McCampbell.
• Zoning Resolution (Item 17.4): President Pro Tem Young introduced a non-binding resolution recommending exploration of