Where Have We Been and Where Are We Headed?
It’s that time of year when we pause to look back at what happened in our city over the past year and consider what the coming year may bring. With the election of a new mayor familiar with city government, we can expect continuity as well as some major changes in how the city is run.
First, let’s look at just some of the decisions City Council made in 2025. In the past year, they:
allocated more funding for buses
approved a one-year operating agreement with the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) after protracted negotiations
changed zoning rules to loosen restrictions on repurposing vacant school buildings. If JE Clark Preparatory Academy closes as predicted, Morningside could see new development there
passed an ordinance requiring the Detroit Police Department to release body camera footage within 30 days of a police officer discharging a weapon or an incident resulting in serious harm to a resident
streamlined the licensing process for small businesses, hopefully making it easier for them to get up and running
raised fines on parents whose minor children violate curfew but eliminated criminal penalties
received recommendations from the Reparations Task Force
confirmed Todd Benson to replace James White as Chief of Police
banned advertisements for marijuana and nicotine vapes within 1,000 feet of schools, recreation centers, and other buildings utilized by minors
Check out Bridge Detroit for more details on these and other changes.
Council’s agenda for this year is still in the early stages, but we do know that Mayor Mary Sheffield is rolling out a financial assistance program for new parents and babies.
We can also expect the relationship between Council and the DLBA to take up significant time on the Council’s 2026 agenda. Because their Memorandum of Understanding covers only one year, negotiations over the next MOU will likely have to begin soon. Councilwoman Mary Waters has expressed continued dissatisfaction with the current MOU and is proposing amendments to it.
The Reparations Task Force report laid out a broad agenda, but developing a feasible implementation plan will be an ongoing challenge.
Our District 4 Councilwoman Latisha Johnson will now chair the Planning and Economic Development Committee, which handles housing policy, zoning, land sales, economic development, employment, and workforce training.
In Council’s first meeting of the year, newly elected District 7 Councilman Denzel McCampbell introduced a successful proposal to look at ways that service programs like home repairs for seniors can continue to be funded after ARPA funds expire.
In Council’s first meeting of the year, newlyelected District 7 Councilman Denzel McCampbell introduced a successful proposal to look at ways that service programs like home repairs for seniors can continue to be funded after ARPA funds expire.
