Detroit City Council Faces Critical Votes on Neighborhood Grants and Winter Safety Measures
DETROIT — 1/31/2026
Detroit City Council Tackles Neighborhood Grants and Winter Safety Measures
DETROIT, MI – The Detroit City Council convened on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, for a formal session focused on public health initiatives, neighborhood safety, and community tributes.
Significant Events and Legislative Highlights
A primary legislative focus during the session involved a request by Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway for the Legislative Policy Division to explore a moratorium on natural gas and electricity shutoffs during the winter heating season. The council also moved to reestablish several key task forces for the 2026 calendar year, including the Human and Sex Trafficking Task Force and the Domestic Violence Task Force.
The session also included a series of testimonial resolutions to honor the memories of local figures Helen Hayes Gentry and Alfred "Bennie" Williams, Sr., both of which were approved unanimously by the members present. Additionally, the council approved funding for public health infrastructure, specifically the acquisition of lactation pods to be placed in city locations.
Legislative Actions Summary
The following table provides a comprehensive list of all items voted on during the Detroit City Council Formal Session on January 27, 2026, including final approvals, postponements, and committee referrals.1. Final Approvals These items were fully approved by the Council and are considered final actions.
| Item # | Description | Vote Result |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | Approval of the Journal from the session held on January 13, 2026. | Approved |
| 17.1 | NEZ Certificate: Rehabilitation of an 18-unit apartment building at 2681 Lakewood Avenue. | Approved, 8-0 |
| 18.1 | IT Contract 6006266-A1: $150,000 increase for network cabling services (Groundwork 0). | Approved, 8-0 |
| 18.2 | Resolution: Formal establishment of the Youth and Civic Engagement Task Force. | Approved, 9-0 |
| 18.3 | Appointment: Rhonda Paul to the Human Rights Commission (Term ending 2029). | Approved, 9-0 |
| 18.4 | Appointment: Lauren Stovall to the Human Rights Commission (Term ending 2029). | Approved, 9-0 |
| 18.5 | Resolution: Continuation of the Detroit City Council Senior Task Force. | Approved, 9-0 |
| 21.1 | Health Contract 6005073-A1: $138,947.84 increase for HIV/AIDS programs (Henry Ford Health). | Approved, 9-0 |
| 21.2 | Health Contract 6005087-A1: $421,076.31 increase for HIV program administration (Henry Ford Health). | Approved, 9-0 |
| 21.3 | ID Contract 6006102-A1: $30,000 increase for Municipal ID software (Omicron Technology). | Approved, 9-0 |
| 21.4 | Fleet Contract 6007290-A1: $50,000 increase for motorcycle repairs (Arsenal Powersports). | Approved, 9-0 |
| 21.6 | Grant Acceptance: Execution of MDNR grant amendments for three city parks. | Approved, 9-0 |
| 21.7 | Alley Vacation: Petition #2026-003 to vacate public alleys at Warren/Sparta/Rangoon. | Approved, 9-0 |
| 27.1 | Agenda Correction: Motion to remove a duplicate entry for Contract 6006102-A1-R. | Approved, 9-0 |
| 32.1 | Testimonial Resolution: In Memoriam for Helen Hayes Gentry. | Approved, 7-0 |
| 32.2 | Testimonial Resolution: Honoring Alfred "Bennie" Williams, Sr. | Approved, 7-0 |
2. Procedural & Intermediate Approvals These items were voted on and "approved," but the vote represented an intermediate step (like introducing a law or delaying a decision) rather than a final enactment.
| Item # | Description | Specific Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| 19.1 | Ordinance Introduction: Adding the C.P.A. Building Historic District to the City Code. | Introduced, 9-0 |
| 19.2 | Public Hearing Setup: Setting the date for the C.P.A. Building Historic District hearing. | Approved, 9-0 |
| 20.1 | Petition #2026-009: James Chandler's request regarding Detroit City Law/Charter. | Postponed 1 week, 9-0 |
| 20.2 | Petition #2026-008: Wayne A. Ramocan, Sr.'s request regarding County Treasurer reforms. | Postponed 1 week, 9-0 |
| 21.5 | Contract 6007489: Geese management services (Goodbye Geese LLC). | Postponed, 9-0 |
3. Committee Referrals These items were voted on solely to move them into a specific standing committee for detailed study and were not approved for final action during this session.
| Category | Items Included | Vote to Refer |
|---|---|---|
| Legislation & Policy | Bond issuance opinions, Equitable Development Task Force, and DIRECTV franchise agreement. | 9-0 |
| Contracts | Vehicle upfitting, truck repairs, athletic equipment, irrigation maintenance, and lactation pods. | 9-0 |
| Grants & Reports | 2026-27 CDBG/NOF applicant list, Admissions Tax study, and Land Bank Quarterly Reports. | 9-0 |
| Legal & Claims | 10 Legal settlements (DDOT, Workers Comp) and 6 Police Indemnification requests. | 9-0 |
| Task Forces | Establishing Task Forces for Domestic Violence, Trafficking, Truancy, and Mental Health. | 9-0 |
| Zoning | Three Zoning District Map amendments (Duane St, 15th St, Melbourne St). | 9-0 |