Detroit council urges Wayne County to seek tax foreclosure moratorium

March 29, 2026

The Detroit City Council has passed a resolution urging Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree to request that the state Legislature impose a moratorium on property tax foreclosures for owner-occupied residences. Council Member Latisha Johnson led the initiative, citing hardships faced by Detroit residents struggling to pay overdue taxes and the risk of homelessness resulting from foreclosures. Sabree's office rejected the proposal as "political theatre," arguing that Detroit's high property tax rates are the actual problem and that the city council should address taxation levels rather than foreclosure enforcement.

Who is affected

Detroit homeowners with delinquent property taxes (particularly those who are owner-occupants)
Residents at risk of foreclosure and potential homelessness
Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree and his office
Detroit City Council members, specifically Latisha Johnson
The broader Detroit population experiencing housing instability

What action is being taken

Wayne County Treasurer's office is conducting educational outreach efforts to inform property owners about the March 31 payment plan enrollment deadline
The treasurer's office is promoting three taxpayer assistance programs (REGSPA, DOOE, and IRSPA) to help residents avoid foreclosure
Detroit City Council is calling on Treasurer Sabree to seek legislative intervention through a resolution

Why it matters

This situation highlights a fundamental tension between legal obligations and housing stability in Detroit. Property tax foreclosures directly contribute to homelessness and destabilize communities, particularly affecting vulnerable owner-occupants facing financial hardships. The disagreement between city and county officials reveals deeper systemic issues regarding Detroit's tax structure and collection processes, with potential long-term implications for housing security and the city's population of unhoused persons.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the March 31 deadline for residents to enroll in payment assistance programs.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com