Detroit City Council

Detroit police cannot release body camera footage of use-of-force incidents due to a court order from a police union lawsuit. A temporary restraining order since January 2025 blocks releases, and activists demand transparency after a recent police shooting. The Detroit City Council’s 2025 ordinance requiring public access to footage within 30 days triggered the lawsuit, which claims the policy violates collective bargaining agreements and endangers officers.

Detroit City Council opposes unregulated water use by AI data centers, citing environmental and infrastructure risks. The council approved a resolution requiring safeguards for water consumption and environmental impact, as the city drafts regulations for data center development.

Detroit City Council and a police oversight board are demanding Detroit Police Department (DPD) provide internal temperature records and a cooling system plan for the Detroit Detention Center, citing reports of excessive heat and hazardous air quality. Council Member Denzel Anton McCampbell and oversight board members have raised concerns about detainees' health, including seizures linked to high temperatures, and are seeking details on cooling measures and protocols.

Detroit City Council approved a settlement with real estate firm Detroit International Holding LLC and Munoz Realty Inc., requiring owner Gaston Munoz to rehabilitate 299 properties in exchange for halving $460K in blight fines. Critics argued the deal incentivizes poor behavior, while city officials defended it as a step toward compliance.

Detroit City Council approved a $5.8 million settlement for Aaron Salter, who spent 15 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office cited mistaken identity as the cause of his 2003 conviction, which was later voided. This follows a similar $4 million settlement approved for LaVone Hill, another wrongfully convicted individual.

Detroit City Council is considering a settlement requiring Munoz Realty to bring 299 poorly maintained rental properties up to code by 2028. The agreement includes monthly abatement of 10 properties, 50% reduction in blight tickets for compliant units, and collaboration with city departments. Council President James Tate raised concerns about the lack of clarity on prioritizing occupied properties.

Detroit City Council approved a nine-month extension of the ShotSpotter contract in a 5-4 vote, amid debates over its $2 million cost, public safety benefits, and privacy concerns. Opponents cited surveillance and racial targeting, while supporters highlighted its role in locating shooting victims, including a case where it helped save a 7-year-old boy. Critics questioned the system's effectiveness, citing low arrest rates following alerts, while community groups argued it aids in directing non-police interventions.

Detroit City Council narrowly voted 5–4 to renew a contract with SoundThinking for its ShotSpotter gunshot detection system until March 2027. Critics cited high costs, privacy concerns, and lack of proven effectiveness, while supporters highlighted successful cases like a 2023 incident where the system led to a gunshot victim's rescue.

Detroit City Council narrowly approved a nine-month extension of the ShotSpotter contract following emotional resident testimonies and council debate. Supporters cited life-saving benefits, while critics questioned the system's cost-effectiveness and called for clearer performance metrics. The 5-4 vote keeps the gunfire detection technology active as the city continues evaluating its public safety role.

Detroit City Council approved a 5-4 vote to extend ShotSpotter's contract through March 2027, allocating nearly $2.1 million for the next nine months. The decision followed public debate, with supporters citing life-saving benefits and opponents raising concerns about surveillance and funding priorities.

Detroit City Council narrowly approved a $2.1 million extension of its contract with SoundThinking Inc. for ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology through March 2027. The 5-4 vote followed a divided debate, with critics questioning the technology's effectiveness and cost, while supporters emphasized its role in reducing gun violence.

Detroit City Council approved transferring three solar sites from Lightstar Renewables to DTE Energy after Lightstar cited an inability to proceed due to a sale to a private equity firm. The $130 million initiative aims to develop solar arrays in five neighborhoods and improve energy efficiency in 209 homes, with the project now managed by DTE Energy.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison addressed increased enforcement of minor curfew rules to address teen violence concerns during summer months. The department reported 103 curfew violations in April and 92 in May, with a spike of 180 violations during the Ford Fireworks event. Bettison emphasized connecting families with resources and support services, including parental responsibility courses and court-led interventions to address root causes of violations.

Downtown Detroit is preparing for the 2026 Ford Fireworks, with large crowds expected and barricades in place. The city extended the curfew for minors to 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. due to past incidents, including a shooting last year, and businesses are adjusting to accommodate the event.

Detroit City Council approved an earlier teen curfew for the Ford Fireworks. The new curfew requires minors under 18 to be with a parent, guardian, or adult by 8 p.m., down from 10 p.m., with a 6-2 vote.

Detroit City Council approved an extended curfew for minors during the 2026 Ford Fireworks event, effective June 22-23. The measure, opposed by two council members, aims to protect residents and covers a designated area in Detroit. Past data shows juvenile curfew violations and incidents of gun violence in the viewing area.

Detroit City Council approved a curfew change for teens at the Ford Fireworks show, setting an 8 p.m. curfew to reduce chaos and violence at large events.

Detroit City Council approved an ordinance extending the curfew for minors under 18 to 8 p.m. in select downtown areas during the annual fireworks show on June 22. The 6-2 vote follows recent violent incidents at teen gatherings, including shootings in past years, and aims to address safety concerns amid 'teen takeovers' in the city.

Detroit is revising its Master Plan of Policies through Plan Detroit, a process involving public engagement events like the City Voice Tour. The plan will guide future development, zoning, and housing decisions, with public input until August 2024.

Detroit is using ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection technology, to aid police in responding to shootings, with claims of improved crime resolution rates. However, critics question its effectiveness and high cost, while a study found initial reductions in 911 calls for gunshots that later reverted to prior levels. The city is spending $2.06 million for a contract extension while evaluating alternatives.

Detroit City Council urges the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to implement a 'road diet' on Fort Street in Southwest Detroit to improve safety and address community concerns. The project, which would reduce vehicle lanes to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist access, follows a tragic 2025 child fatality and years of advocacy by Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero. MDOT is currently conducting a feasibility study for the stretch of Fort Street from Schaefer Highway to Outer Drive.

Detroit City Council approved a rezoning plan and community benefits for a $130 million GLWA pump station project in Jefferson Chalmers. The project involves rehabilitating existing storm pumps and constructing a new sanitary station, but faces resident concerns over construction delays, outreach, aesthetics, and noise. GLWA purchased 22 properties for the project, and an independent review linked prior pump failures to 2021 flooding.

The Detroit Land Bank Authority is using an AI chatbot and Instagram live sessions to improve community engagement. CEO Tammy Daniels highlighted 56,571 vacant parcels in inventory, with 2,248 side lots available for $100 each, though sales remain low. Funding challenges and council criticism of outreach efforts were also noted.

Detroit Police Department seeks a $2.06 million nine-month extension for its ShotSpotter contract with SoundThinking, Inc., which expires in June 2025. Advocates and lawmakers have raised concerns about the technology's privacy and efficacy, citing low recovery rates for evidence and minimal victim aid. Police officials argue the technology has reduced gun crime and aided investigations, while also seeking new vendors through a Request for Proposal.

Detroit City Council approved a resolution acknowledging 'post traumatic prison disorder,' a term describing mental health challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals. The resolution supports trauma-focused services like therapy, housing, and re-entry programs, with advocates emphasizing the lasting impact of incarceration trauma on individuals and communities.