Tenant protections, land bank structure on priority list for Mary Waters

February 23, 2026

Detroit At-Large Council Member Mary Waters emphasizes the importance of local government in addressing community needs that state and federal officials often overlook, citing her exchange with HUD Secretary Scott Turner about transitional housing quality. Waters has outlined several priorities for her current term, including strengthening the newly formed tenants rights commission, using the council's budget authority more assertively, and opposing additional funding for the Detroit Land Bank Authority. She successfully lobbied against a Land Value Tax proposal in the state legislature and plans to resist zoning changes that would allow higher-density housing in single-family neighborhoods.

Who is affected

Detroit residents facing housing issues and potential evictions
Tenants dealing with negligent landlords and deplorable housing conditions
Senior citizens living in substandard housing
Children and families using transitional housing programs
Detroit Land Bank Authority (facing potential budget cuts and authority restrictions)
Residents in historic districts concerned about zoning changes
Detroit Public Schools Community District (under federal investigation)
Two Detroit police officers facing termination for contacting Border Patrol
Residents affected by last year's water transmission line break

What action is being taken

The tenants rights commission is meeting sporadically and waiting to determine its role under Mayor Sheffield's administration
Mayor Sheffield has launched an effort to address deplorable conditions in senior housing
The City Council has zeroed out the Detroit Land Bank Authority's annual allocation in the current budget
The U.S. Department of Justice is conducting a compliance review investigation of Detroit Public Schools
Police Chief Todd Bettison intends to fire two officers who contacted Border Patrol
Keep Growing Detroit is accepting applications for its annual Garden Resource Program

Why it matters

This matters because it highlights the tension between local, state, and federal approaches to critical urban issues, particularly housing affordability and quality. Waters' opposition to both the Land Value Tax and zoning reform represents a significant obstacle to proposed solutions for Detroit's housing challenges, even as she advocates for tenant protections. The council's willingness to use its budget authority more assertively signals a potential shift in the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of Detroit's government. The various controversies—from the federal investigation of schools to the police officer terminations—demonstrate how national political conflicts are playing out at the local level, affecting policy implementation and intergovernmental relationships.

What's next

The council will explore ways to revoke the Detroit Land Bank Authority's ability to file nuisance abatement lawsuits and change its board structure
Waters plans to work with Mayor Sheffield to improve housing conditions and address negligent landlords
The council will have "uncomfortable conversations" about budget priorities due to the absence of pandemic relief funding
Waters is poised to push against a zoning ordinance aimed at making it easier to build more housing in residential areas
DPSCD Superintendent Nikolai Vitti must provide extensive documentation to the DOJ by April 6
President Trump's State of the Union address will be delivered February 24, which Mayor Sheffield will attend

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com