Hello Detroit
Waters will be seeking the Democrat nomination for the 13th Congressional District seat.
Council Woman Mary Waters
City of Detroit
Detroit City Council
FROM THE DESK OF
Mary Waters, Member At-Large
2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1340 Detroit, MI 48226
______________________________________________________________________________
Press Advisory For Immediate Release
May 21, 2024
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Contact: Mary Waters Detroit City Council Member At Large 313 628 2330
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Waters asking Chief White to come to Council to discuss whether a culture of racism xenophobia exists in DPD
((Detroit, MI 5/21/2024) - - Detroit City Council Member At Large Mary Waters wants to know if the video of a Detroit police officer telling a demonstrator to
“go back to Mexico” during President Biden’s visit to Detroit is a reflection of a culture of racist xenophobic behavior in the ranks of the Detroit Police Department (DPD).
“On the heels of very questionable even militaristic shut down of some Cinco de Mayo activities that may have been a reflection of racist xenophobic double standards not employed
during NFL Draft crowd control; I am again requesting that Detroit Police Chief White appear before Detroit City Council to discuss what may be a disturbing
systemic pattern of racist xenophobic police conduct,” said Waters. “If the chief again refuses to come before this duly elected council it may be necessary to issue a
subpoena mandating his appearance. Detroit is an American city operating under principles of democracy not autocracy,” said Waters. “I support our police that risk all to protect
Detroit. When we on council appropriate dollars for DPD we are funding good policing with expectations of conduct beyond reproach. We must ensure that
a culture of racist xenophobic behavior is not simmering systematically. “Go back to Mexico” is sadly reminiscent of those days when my people were told to “go back to
Africa” during the Jim Crow era,” said Waters.
City of Detroit
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Detroit City Council
Sincerely,
Hon. Mary Waters
Council Member, At Large
SUMMARY
This Ordinance amends Chapter 12 of the 2019 Detroit City Code, Community Development, by adding Article XI, Tenants' Rights, which consists of Division 1, Tenants' Rights Commission, comprised of Section 12-12-1, Purpose; Section 12-12-2, Establishment; Section 12-12-3, Membership, term, and vacancy; Section 12-12-4, Duties and responsibilities; Section 12-12-5, Reporting and recommendations; 12-12-6, Staf assistance; Section 12-12-7, Funding; and Section 12-12-8, Meetings and rules of procedure; and Division 2, Verification Assistance, comprised of Section 12-12-21, Purpose; and Section 12-12-22, Promulgation of administrative rules; informational website, ot advance the City's goal of increasing both equity and transparency in the relationship between residential tenants and landlords.
City of Detroit
Detroit City Council
FROM THE DESK OF
Mary Waters, Member At-Large
2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1340 Detroit, MI 48226
_________________________________________________________________
Press Advisory For Immediate Release
May 8th
, 2024
Contact: Mary Waters Detroit City Council Member At Large 313 628 2330
Waters’ Tenants Rights Commission approved unanimously by Detroit Council
(Detroit, MI 5/8/2024) - Detroit City Council Member At-Large Mary Waters a longtime
advocate for residential renters is thanking her Council colleagues after Council members
voted unanimously to pass an ordinance establishing a Tenants Rights Commission to
protect Detroit renters and assist landlords in complying with city ordinance expectations.
“At last Detroit renters are positioned to be treated as human beings entitled to rental
housing fit for human habitation without fear of being tossed out without being afforded
the simple fairness that I believe all Detroiters are entitled to. For that, I thank my Detroit
Council colleagues,” said Waters noting “In the Detroit I represent housing, water and
energy are human rights,” concluded Waters.
MISSION:
Establish a Commission to develop and present comprehensive policy and/or regulation
recommendations to City Council and the Mayor that support the Detroit tenant
population’s needs for protection, enforcement and adequate housing regarding:
• Exploring methods of reducing Detroit eviction rates
• Assisting in establishing and protecting residential tenants’ rights
• Assisting in providing methods to facilitate the availability of quality and affordable rental
units• Supporting city-wide tenants’ associations
• Obtaining information regarding landlords that fail to comply with the City Code
• Supporting the Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD) and other organizations in
educating landlords, on issues affecting residential rental properties
MEMBERSHIP
The Commission shall consist of 9 members:
• (4) nominated by the City Council
• (4) nominated by the Mayor
• (1) jointly appointed by the City Council and Mayor
Attached: 3 documents for tenants rights
1. The ordinance
2. Waters’ Analysis sent to colleagues
3. Fact sheet
City of Detroit
Detroit City Council
Sincerely,
Hon. Mary Waters
Council Member, At Large
TENANTS RIGHTS COMMISSION
"The Tenants Commission is empowered to craft comprehensive policy recommendations for
presentation to the City Council and the Mayor. These recommendations will address issues
directly impacting the significant population of renters within the city. Through diligent research and
community engagement, the Commission aims to propose impactful measures that uphold and
enhance the rights and well-being of tenants across Detroit.
Detroit Council member Mary Waters at large proposal
Fact sheets
"The Commission's mandate encompasses several critical objectives:
1. Implementing strategies to decrease the eviction rate in Detroit.
2. Safeguarding the rights and interests of residential tenants through the establishment and
enforcement of protective measures
3. Identifying and leveraging federal, state, and third-party funding to address housing-related
challenges effectively.
4. Ensuring landlords' adherence to city codes and regulations through robust enforcement
mechanisms. By focusing on these key areas, the Commission aims to foster a more
equitable and secure rental landscape for all Detroit residents."
5. "The Tenants Rights Commission will annually produce a comprehensive housing report
that outlines the evolving needs of the community in terms of housing.
6. The commission will facilitate voluntary mediation sessions for tenants and landlords to
collaboratively resolve disputes. This approach emphasizes a proactive and cooperative
approach to conflict resolution, fostering a more harmonious rental environment in Detroit.
7. "The Tenants Rights Commission is dedicated to advocating for tenant rights and ensuring
fair treatment in housing across the city. Shall actively work to establish and support
Tenants Rights Councils on a citywide scale, empowering tenants to assert their rights and
create a more equitable living environment.8. "The Commission ensures inclusive representation by including voting members from
diverse communities, including youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. This
commitment to representation ensures that the voices of all tenants are heard and
considered in decision-making processes."
"The composition of the board will be appointed jointly by the City Council and the Mayor, with each
appointing 4 members from their respective bodies. Additionally, there will be a joint appointment
made between the City Council and the Mayor. To ensure balanced representation, there will be
only 1 appointment from the landlord sector, restricted to individuals owning no more than 10
housing units, effectively preventing dominance by large property management companies.
All appointees must be renters residing in Detroit.
Council Member Mary Waters has successfully secured over $500,000 in funding for the
commission from the city's general funds. This commission aligns with the standard practice of
other commissions in Detroit, as mandated by sections 5-102 and 7-103 of the Detroit Charter
2012, requiring mayoral appointments.
There's one exception to this structure: non-voting members will be allowed to participate in the
operations and duties of the Tenants’ Rights Commission, ensuring diverse perspectives are
considered in its functioning."
OVERVIEW OF
PROPOSED TENANTS’ RIGHTS ORDINANCE
Of the average 30,000 evictions filed in Detroit each year, many tenants face eviction for withholding
rent while being housed in unlivable conditions, most of these cases involve single mothers with
children.
Unscrupulous property owners have failed to register their properties as rental properties, failed to
maintain their properties up to habitable standards, feeding upon the desperation of people who must
have a place to live with a roof overhead.
The city embarked on a mission to have all landlords bring their properties into compliance by 2020 and
these efforts have fallen short. Recognizing the extraordinary scope of problems faced by the tenant
population in our city, it is time for careful examination of the issues and thoughtful discussion relative
to ways to change the course of this crisis and better protect the health, safety, and welfare of tenants
in our city.
MISSION:
Establish a Commission to develop and present comprehensive policy and/or regulation
recommendations to City Council and the Mayor that support the Detroit tenant population’s needs
for protection, enforcement and adequate housing regarding:
• Exploring methods of reducing Detroit eviction rates
• Assisting in establishing and protecting residential tenants’ rights
• Assisting in providing methods to facilitate the availability of quality and affordable rental
units
• Supporting city-wide tenants’ associations
• Obtaining information regarding landlords that fail to comply with the City Code
• Supporting the Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD) and other organizations in
educating landlords, on issues affecting residential rental properties
MEMBERSHIP
The Commission shall consist of 9 members:
• (4) nominated by the City Council
• (4) nominated by the Mayor
• (1) jointly appointed by the City Council and Mayor
TERMS
• Two of the four appointed by Council serve 2-year terms
• Two of the four appointed by the mayor serve 2-year terms
• Joint appointment serves a 2-year term
• Two of the four members appointed by the Mayor shall serve a 1-year term and be actively
renting property in the City of Detroit
• Two of the four members appointed by City Council shall serve a 1-year term and be actively
renting property in the City of Detroit• Each member can be removed at will by the appointing entity, the joint appointment can only
be removed by a majority of City Council members serving and the Mayor.
DUTIES
The Commission will be authorized to do the following:
• Shall hold monthly meetings at a facility open to the public, utilizing Robert’s Rules of Order
• Receive complaints from tenants of rental units within the City of Detroit and
information and evidentiary material of a landlord’s alleged violation(s) for the City Code or law
• May hold hearings and request a tenant or landlord’s presence to address alleged
violations
• May make referrals of alleged violations to appropriate departments and agencies
• May request information from tenant associations, housing coalitions and other entities that
may have expertise in residential rental units to assist in formulation of policy
recommendations or regulations regarding residential rental properties
• Shall provide an annual report to the City Council and Mayor .
REPORTING AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The commission will submit a written report of findings and recommendations to the City Council and
Mayor no later than one year after the first meeting.
The report shall contain the following:
• Analysis of all activities of the Commission, number of complaints filed, disposition etc.
• Commission recommendations
STAFF ASSISTANCE
The Clerk Office will be responsible for assisting the Commission with matters related to conducting
proper notice of all meetings.
FUNDING
The Commission shall not receive city funds, but may accept donations and grants, similar to
Community Advisory Councils.