City Council Finds Limited Authority in Detroit Land Bank Contract Renewal

Power is a right many in Detroit’s Black community have sought for generations. That pursuit is active in the corridors of City Hall. Council members spent a full year seeking changes to Detroit’s contract with the Land Bank Authority. They discovered their authority is limited. The renewal of a three-year agreement arrived from Mayor Mike Duggan’s administration. The body realized there is only a choice to vote yes or no. Council Member Latisha Johnson said, “This really puts the city council in a position where it feels like we have no power whatsoever.” Johnson delivered that comment last week during a Planning and Economic Development committee meeting. She expressed frustration over the city council’s limited capacity to change the agreement. She said, “It really feels like there’s not much that (the City Council) can do as it relates to any amendments or changes to programs or operations as it relates to the disposition of land in the city of Detroit.” That statement resonated. Advocates hoped council members would push for modifications. Legislative Policy Division member Marcel Hurt indicated that they cannot revise the memorandum. He explained that the only action available is an up or down vote. The contract at...