City of Detroit Unveils Strategic Plan to Significantly Improve Access and Service to Disability Community

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, guaranteeing rights and greater access for citizens with disabilities.  The City of Detroit marked the day by issuing its first-ever strategic plan to further improve access in the city.

Mayor Mike Duggan made accessibility one of his top priorities with the creation of the Office of Disability Affairs within the Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity (CRIO) Department in late 2020 and the hiring of Christopher Samp as its director.

The Mayor, Disability Affairs Director Christopher Samp, CRIO Director Kim Rustem and members of the disabled community outlined the new three-year plan July 26.  The key elements include:

• Increasing housing availability
• Improving healthcare and transportation access
• Increasing hiring, and implementing policies and practices throughout City government and the community
• Improving access to digital content

To read the entire strategic plan, visit http://www.detroitmi.gov/disability. For more information, contact the Civil Rights Inclusion and Opportunity Department Office of Disability Affairs at 313-224-4950.

Mayor Duggan (at podium), CRIO Director Kim Rustem (2nd from left) and Disability Affairs Director Christopher Samp (third from left) are joined by partners from the disability community for the announcement July 26.

Rental code enforced citywide; inspections no longer scheduled by zip code

The City of Detroit is moving from rental property compliance based on zip codes to a citywide enforcement model. No longer will the Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department (BSEED) move from zip code to zip code to inspect and enforce the rental code. The City will initiate enforcement measures if landlords put renters in unsafe living conditions.

The zip code roll-out schedule began in 2018. Now, all rental properties regardless of zip code are required to be registered and have a Certificate of Compliance effective immediately.

This announcement does not impact the July 19 deadline for landlords to make sure that flood-damaged properties are safe for tenants. Renters who live in unsafe conditions due to flooding should call 313-267-8000.

To learn more about resources available to renters and landlords, go to: detroitmi.gov/news

Mayor, City partners and McDuffy family dedicate newly expanded neighborhood park after late community leader Antonio McDuffy

The last 30 days have seen a lot of activity at the corner of W. Philadelphia St. and Third Avenue. Located in the city’s New Center Historic District, the park (formerly Philadelphia Park) serves as an important community gathering space for residents of the Piety Hill neighborhood. It was officially re-named for Antonio McDuffy, a beloved neighborhood resident who was a tireless advocate for the community. Mayor Mike Duggan and City of Detroit partners dedicated McDuffy Park recently during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

To learn more about the dedication of McDuffy Park, go to detroitmi.gov/news.

Mayor Duggan Presents Keys to the City to Bishops J. Drew Sheard and John Henry Sheard

Mayor Duggan presented Keys to the City for the first time to a father and son simultaneously in recognition of their ministry work and leadership internationally and in the Detroit community. Bishop J. Drew Sheard and Bishop John Henry Sheard are both leaders in the Church of God in Christ Inc. and longtime Detroit pastors, who have given more than 80 years of significant service through their ministries to the residents of Detroit.

Mayor Duggan presented the Key to the City to Bishop J. Drew Sheard during a recent ceremony at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre.

Superintendent Ethan Sheard received the Key to the City from Mayor Duggan on behalf of his father Bishop John Henry Sheard.