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Saving old schools could save the neighborhood

October 8, 2025

Bruce Simpson has completed a 10-year term as Detroit's ombudsman, during which he doubled his office size and processed over 74,000 complaints. His tenure included issuing 50 policy recommendations and conducting 1,440 community meetings to raise awareness about the office's role in helping residents and businesses. Simpson's final report highlights issues with the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED), which generated 62% of complaints, and includes recommendations like making the Office of Immigration Affairs permanent and improving code enforcement.

Who is affected

  • Detroit residents and businesses who file complaints with the Ombudsman's Office
  • The Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED), which received the most complaints
  • The Detroit Land Bank Authority
  • Detroit property owners affected by the Nuisance Abatement Program
  • Detroiters seeking to own gas stations or convenience stores
  • The Office of Immigration Affairs

What action is being taken

  • The City Council is celebrating Simpson's decade of service as he ends his term
  • The Ombudsman's Office continues to process complaints and issue recommendations for city departments
  • Former state Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo is taking over as the new ombudsman
  • The City Council is considering an "adaptive reuse and tactical preservation" strategy for historic buildings
  • The Michigan Legislature is funding Detroit's Community Violence Intervention program
  • The City Council is increasing health inspection fees by 10% and creating new fees for various businesses

Why it matters

  • Simpson served as a government watchdog during challenging periods including bankruptcy, emergency management, and COVID-19, maintaining accountability despite administrative resistance. His office identified significant issues with BSEED, which generated 62% of complaints, and made recommendations that challenged powerful interests, particularly regarding demolition practices and the land bank's Nuisance Abatement Program. The ombudsman role provides independent oversight of city operations and advocates for residents, with Simpson noting the position requires objectivity, fact-based decisions, and moral courage rather than popularity.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article regarding the Ombudsman's Office transition, though Simpson mentioned he plans to relax after 18 total years with the office (including his time as assistant ombudsman before becoming the ombudsman).

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com