The appointment comes amid questions and concern from some council members and members of the public over a potential conflict of interest based on Santana’s career as a public safety lobbyist and his role as a reserve officer for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.
Detroit City Notebook
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Detroit City Notebook, Police & Public Safety
Detroit approves $2.7M in park cameras, lighting amid surveillance concerns
Detroit-based Bayview Electric Company LLC will bring “consistent lighting and security” to the most used spaces as walkways in Chandler Park, Eliza-Howell Park, Maheras-Gentry Park and Rouge Park.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook, Police & Public Safety
Detroit council wants to know more before supporting statewide kratom ban proposal
Council members decided they wanted to wait until they could learn more information about both a State House proposal and the differences between natural and synthetic kratom.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook, Political and Public Policy Information
Detroit is drafting data center rules. One council member wants a pause first.
District 6 Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero said she’s directing the council’s legal staff to draft an interim zoning ban that would effectively achieve the two-year moratorium that council members urged Mayor Mary Sheffield to put in place in the spring.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook, Explainers, Political and Public Policy Information
How is Detroit using AI? We dug into the city’s policy
Given all the debate around the safety, ethics, efficiency and pitfalls of AI, we wanted to dig into the city’s policy on artificial intelligence technology.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook, Transportation
Detroit to install more than 200 bus shelters, benches through 2027
The city will install about 100 new shelters and 120 benches through 2027. The additions are part of an ongoing plan to upgrade hundreds of bus stops.
Posted inArts & Culture, Detroit City Notebook, Election 2026
Detroit council backs museum millage campaign
The resolution encouraging Detroit residents to participate in the Nov. 3 election and support the cultural institutions comes as absentee ballots have gone out across the state.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook, Political and Public Policy Information
How to make your voice heard during city budgeting cycle
The city wants to hear from you — here’s where you can go to let your voice and priorities be heard.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook, Housing
Detroit Council urging inspections of Munoz Realty’s entire portfolio
The resolution approved Tuesday says the comprehensive assessment of Munoz’s properties would help determine compliance with city rental and health and safety rules and that it should give special attention to occupied properties, particularly those housing children or seniors.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook, Police & Public Safety
Detroit Inspector General investigating police chief after action on social media posts
Police Chief Todd Bettison has come under fire in recent weeks after interactions with a local activist who posted potentially compromising photos of Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield.