Budget Season Updates

   

Over the next few weeks, City departments are presenting their budgets to City Council. Each hearing will have a public comment section - come out and voice your opinion! If you are not able to attend these budget hearings, you still  have the ability to register for public comment and submit questions and  comments via this public comment form

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates throughout the next few weeks, including changes to the budget hearing schedule! 

We will broadcast weekly update videos about the budget process as well. 

Check out a Budget Week 1 Wrap-Up video here! View a Budget Week 2 Overview video here

During the next City Council Evening Community Meeting on March 26, 2019 from 7:00-8:30PM at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church (2080 W. Grand Blvd) you will have a chance to hear presentations on departmental budgets from: 

  • Housing and Revitalization Department 
  • Planning and Development Department
  • General Services Department and the Recreation Division 
  • Fire Department 
  • Police Department
  • Building, Safety, Engineering and Environmental Department 

You can make a 2-minute public comment during this meeting! You can make a public comment via this online form or by attending the evening council meeting. 


Immigration Task Force Updates 

  • Stemming from the Immigration Task Force (ITF) initiatives, Council Member Raquel Castañeda-López introduced a resolution opposing House Bills 4083 and 4090, known as the "Local Government Sanctuary Policy Prohibition Act." This proposed state legislation would negatively impact welcoming communities across Michigan. The resolution passed during the last City Council Formal Session on March 19th.
  • Exciting news! Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially declared Michigan a Welcoming State! This means Michigan will honor its long history of welcoming all those seeking refuge and a better life. This includes ensuring immigrant and refugee communities are supported, respected, and find a sense of belonging in Michigan!

What's going on Downtown?

Council Approvals 

  • Emergency demolitions at three D6 properties: 5020 & 5026 Military St and 2940 Livernois

  • 100% in federal funding to renovate several Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-funded parks, including District 6 Savage Park and Scripps Park.  

  • $200,000 to provide materials and services to the Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department for the implementation of translation and interpretation services of City material as requested.

  • A Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Certificate and a Brownfield TIF for the redevelopment of the Albert Kahn Building in New Center, District 5. The Council Member opposed these abatements because although the developer set aside 20% of the units as affordable, these units were priced much higher than what is typically offered. The developer is projecting their affordable units at approximately $1,150 for a 1-bedroom and $1,400 for a 2-bedroom. For comparison, rates for these units typically list at $994-$1,065 and $1,136-$1,278 respectively.

New Procedure for Public Comment

  • Fill out this form if you wish to make a public comment at any upcoming Formal Session meeting! Once you complete this form, you will not have to complete a public comment card during the meeting. If you are not able to attend and still wish to provide a comment on the departmental budget, please select "No" and enter your comment, concern, or question.

Marathon Updates

  • Click here to submit a public comment at the upcoming City Council Meeting regarding Marathon Petroleum Refinery on Tuesday, April 30 at 2PM at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 13th floor.

Upcoming Planning & Development Department meetings

  • [March 25] Southwest/West Vernor: Bagley & 16th Development and Bagley/Vernor Streetscape Update. Mexicantown Latino Cultural Center, 6PM. 

  • [March 26] Land-Based Projects: Workshop with Stakeholders - urban growers, advocates and neighbors. MSU Center (3408 Woodward), 6:00-7:30. View this page to get more details on these types of projects!
   
  • [March 28] Corktown Planning StudyMeet, talk to, & provide feedback on the teams competing to assist the city & the Greater Corktown communities. 1358 Abbott. 5:30-7:30PM. 

What's happening in the Districts?

Events

  • [March 23] Expungement fair - you could clear your criminal record for free! Attend this fair to talk with on-site attorneys. Must be a Detroit resident. 7737 Kercheval St, 10AM-3PM.

  • [March 26] City Council Evening Community Meeting for a chance to share public comment with City Council Members! 7:00-8:30PM at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. 

  • [March 27] Skilled Trades Task Force Meeting, UAW Region 1A Vote Center (15140 Livernois), 4-6PM. Learn how you can apply to the Skilled Trades apprenticeship programs

  • [March 27] Attend the Gordie Howe International Bridge Public Information Meeting to hear about updates on the project and community benefits. El Bosque (6705 W. Lafayette), 3-7PM (presentations scheduled at 3:30 and 5:45PM). 

  • [March 28] Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition, 420 Leigh), 6-7:30PM. Will discuss  Bridging Neighborhood Updates, Delray planning updates, and air monitoring and truck studies. 
   
  • [March 28] 48217 Retail Study Community Meeting - join for a conversation about retail in 48217 and what new retailers you want in your neighborhood! Kemeny Rec Center, 6-7:30PM.

  • [April 1] Truckers Against Trafficking - Learn about the human trafficking epidemic. 11AM, side lot next to the State of Michigan Welcome Center. Lunch and training to follow.  

Attend the Detroit Census 2020 Kick-Off!


For More information Contact:
   

Are you interested in participating as a vendor or sponsor at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta event on Sunday, May 5th, 2019 from 12:00pm-7:00 pm in Clark Park (Detroit, 48209) directly after the Cinco de Mayo Yearly Parade?

The cost to participate as a community organization vendor, selling vendor, or sponsor goes from $25 to $100+. All vendors and sponsors will be provided 1 table (6 foot), 2 chairs, and food for your table volunteers. Vendors should arrive at 10:00am to set up.

To register as a community organization, seller or sponsor please fill out the vendor form online HERE and payment no later than Friday April 26th. After that date the cost to participate goes up by $25.

If you or a group is willing to volunteerthat day please let us know by filling out this volunteer form HERE.https://goo.gl/forms/oCRTU6n5Mb6MuUV62

Check out the event on Facebook here.

 


Te’ne’Ki Graham at (844)-6(RAINBOW) (672-4626) or grahamsrainbowsblessinghands@gmail.com

¿ESPAÑOL? Amanda Holiday at (313) 460-3444 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Jobs  

Growing Detroit's Young Talent

   

The Growing Detroit's Young Talent (GDYT) Program application deadline has extended until March 31st! Click here if you know youth 14-24 who would like a summer job. Apply today!

If you would like to work with Team Rocky, enter our referral code: C1003


Other Resources 

 
  •  The City of Detroit is seeking public input on the process of acquiring and permitting land based projects, which use land for urban agriculture, gardening, beautification and other productive uses. Take this survey to provide feedback!
 

FREE TAX PREPARATION SITES sponsored by Accounting Aid Society running until April 13th! 

   

 

Families and individuals with incomes up to $55,000 may be eligible for our full service tax help.                                         

Find out and make your appointment today by calling 313-556-1920.

Most locations offer walk-in first come, first served service. Some are by appointment-only. 

The Homebound Tax Program can help if you are physically unable to go to a tax site. Call us for details- 313-556-1920.

Need help with your water bill? See flyer below for more information!