Detroit reparations task force disavows leader’s rogue policy report

Detroit’s Reparations Task Force is publicly distancing itself from policy recommendations drafted by Co-Chair Keith Williams without their input due to his frustrations with a perceived lack of progress from the group. Williams delivered a binder of documents outlining his proposals to City Council President Mary Sheffield this week and provided a copy to BridgeDetroit. In response, the task force issued a Wednesday statement clarifying that Williams’ report does not reflect their work during the last two years and shouldn’t be considered an official document from the group. Related: It’s the latest challenge for the task force formed by the City Council in 2023 after Detroiters overwhelmingly backed a ballot initiative to produce reparations policies. Recommendations are due by March 31, 2025, after the City Council extended an October deadline.  Williams, who helped craft the ballot proposal, was appointed by Sheffield to lead a group of academics, activists and policy minds. For months, he’s neglected public meetings and missed internal meetings of the task force’s executive committee, citing scheduling issues. He told BridgeDetroit he’s been absent for the meetings because he no longer finds value in attending.  Williams said his own recommendations were presented “on behalf of the Michigan Democratic...