Gabriela Santiago-Romero

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 leaders sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security requesting an end to ICE pursuits. The letter was addressed to the head of DHS by council members Denzel Anton McCampbell, Gabriela Santiago-Romero, and DPD Commissioner Victoria Camille.

Detroit city leaders, including council members Denzel Anton McCampbell, Gabriela Santiago-Romero, and DPD Commissioner Victoria Camille, sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security requesting an end to ICE pursuits that they claim endanger the community.

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 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 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 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.