Five years ago, Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield took a monumental step by introducing the “People’s Bills,” a transformative package of legislation designed to uplift Detroit’s most vulnerable communities. Today, the City celebrates the enduring impact of these policies, which have left an indelible mark on various sectors ranging from affordable housing and employment to community investment and police reform.
“Five years ago today we took a very bold stand that we were going to uplift the agenda of the people and I would never forget five years ago we were standing right in front of the Spirit of Detroit and the administration had actually coined the ‘People’s Bills’ the ‘Emergency Manager Bills’ and they essentially said that these bills that were geared toward uplifting the people will put us into emergency management,” expressed Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield. “But here we are five years later and every single bill that we proposed has either passed or we have made significant progress on – and notably we are not in emergency management.”
The initiatives spearheaded by Sheffield have had a profound impact on housing affordability in the City. The legislation included rent controls, tenant protections against unjust evictions, and provisions for refurbishing dilapidated housing units. These laws didn’t just stop at prevention; they also provided avenues for new affordable housing development. According to the Detroit Housing Commission, the homeless population has seen a significant decline since these laws were enacted.
Additionally, Sheffield made strides in poverty alleviation and community investment. The bills included provisions for community development funds, which have been used to revitalize neglected neighborhoods. There were also grants and incentives for grocery stores to operate in areas that had long been considered food deserts. On the education front, the bills directed targeted investment in public schools, enabling renovations, new educational programs, and better pay for teachers. Subsidized public transportation was another critical part of the bills, making it easier for residents to access jobs and essential services.
Sheffield’s office recently commented on the transformative changes, stating, “The People’s Bills are more than just legislation. It is a clear sign to residents that I hear them, I stand with them, and that I am fighting for them. This packet of legislation is for legacy Detroiters, for families, for young people, and for every Detroiter in between. Thank you for trusting me and I will continue to work on your behalf to make our City safer, equitable, and sustainable. I will continue to work on behalf of THE PEOPLE!”
As we reflect on the path we’ve traveled to improve the lives of Detroit’s residents, it’s crucial to acknowledge the transformative bills and initiatives that have set the stage for the progress we enjoy today. These landmark legislations and programs have been pivotal in shaping the social, economic, and civic landscape of our City. They serve not merely as milestones but as a testimony to what can be achieved when we work collectively toward common goals. Below, you’ll find an overview of these pivotal accomplishments that have helped lay the groundwork for a brighter, more equitable future for all Detroiters.
Cash Bail Elimination: Legislation was drafted to eliminate cash bail for municipal offenses. Philanthropic partnerships were also established to help detainees pay their bail.
Community Input Over Government Surveillance (CIOGS): An ordinance was introduced requiring public reporting and hearings before acquiring new surveillance technology.
CROWN Act: This act, aimed at ending hair-based discrimination, was requested for inclusion in the Detroit City Code on August 14, 2023.
Detroit Resident Discount Program: A 50 percent discount on parking tickets for Detroit residents was sponsored and promoted.
Emergency Knox Box: A mandatory emergency key box system was introduced for senior buildings and multifamily gated communities, resulting in 140 installations.
Home Repair Grants: Secured up to $2.5 million annually for a Senior Home Repair Grant program, helping thousands to afford crucial home repairs.
Homeless Bill of Rights: A resolution was introduced that codifies rights for homeless individuals in publicly funded shelters.
Industry Standards Board: Sponsored an ordinance establishing a board to improve local working conditions, leading to the nation’s first Industry Standards Board for Sports Arenas.
Juneteenth (Paid City Holiday): Sponsored an ordinance in May 2023, making Juneteenth a paid city holiday for Detroit employees.
Neighborhood Improvement Fund and Beautification Program: Created a fund from income tax revenue generated by the Detroit Pistons and allocated over $3.5 million for community projects.
Neighborhood Enterprise Zones: Sponsored the update of tax-reduction zones to make housing more affordable for Detroit residents.
Overassessment Allocation of $2M: Collaborated with the Coalition for Property Tax Justice to allocate $2 million in compensation for residents overtaxed between 2009 and 2016.
Permanent Funding for CAM System: Secured $900,000 to continue operations for Detroit’s primary intake program for emergency homeless shelters.
Property Tax Exemption (HOPE): Proposed an ordinance to make property tax exemptions easily available to Detroit homeowners.
Detroit Reparations Taskforce: Passed a resolution supporting reparations, leading to an 80 percent approval for a Reparations Task Force in November 2021.
Right to Counsel: Sponsored an ordinance requiring legal representation for low-income residents facing eviction or foreclosure.
Slavery/Prison Affidavit & Notification: Amended the city code to require contractors to disclose relationships with prisons.
Wage Increases for Officers: Advocated for and achieved an increase in pay for Detroit Police Department officers.
Building on an already robust legislative agenda, Detroit is set to unveil a suite of groundbreaking bills that promise to revolutionize everything from labor relations to property tax, housing, and beyond. Here’s a closer look at these game-changing proposals:
Responsible Contracting Ordinance: Aims to offer 6 percent credits to contractors who pay living wages benefits and provide apprenticeship programs. Also mandates proper licensing and safety training for employees.
Property Tax Reform Ordinance: Focuses on transparency by establishing a property record database. Aims to streamline assessment and improve notification procedures for property owners.
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Amendments: Enhances existing legislation requiring 20 percent of units in taxpayer-funded multifamily projects to be affordable. Adds tax abatements as an enforcement measure and assigns oversight to the Housing and Revitalization Department.
Housing Trust Fund Amendments: Plans to boost funding for the Detroit Affordable Housing Development and Preservation Fund (DAHDPF). Proposes a community oversight board and aims to meet housing needs for families at or below 50 percent of Area Median Income.
Water Affordability: Introduces an ordinance to halt water shutoffs and ensure access to clean water for all residents, particularly targeting vulnerable groups.
DDOT Low-Income Fare & Salary Increase: Allocates $10 million for a Low-Income Fare Pilot Program and an additional $80 million for salary increases for bus operators aimed at improving public transit services.
Right to Renew Ordinance: Limits the conditions under which landlords can deny lease renewals and mandates two months’ rent as relocation assistance for tenants when a lease isn’t renewed in good faith.
As we celebrate the momentous legislative strides Detroit has made through Peoples Bills, it’s important to note that the journey toward a more equitable, transparent, and resilient City is far from over. Past accomplishments serve as a solid foundation upon which to build a more promising future. With that in mind, we’re excited for Detroit to unveil a series of forthcoming bills that aim to deepen our City’s true commitment to social justice, economic empowerment, and community well-being. These are not just legislative texts; they’re the blueprints for a new Detroit.
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