DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – The city of Detroit is considering creating a “Blight Patrol,” a group of volunteers who go around the city reporting properties to be reviewed by city officials.

Although the patrol members would be volunteers, the city would reimburse them for mileage. City Council Member President Mary Sheffield has authorized the city to put together a proposal creating the patrol. Before the patrols can begin, the city stated an ordinance has to be changed to allow the blight patrols.

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In November of 2020, voters approved a city ballot measure that would allow Detroit to sell $250 million in bonds to be used to clean the city up, specifically dealing with blighted properties. That money runs out this year.

The city also used $26 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars in 2024 on blight issues; that’s money given in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Mike Duggan made dealing with blight within the city one of his top issues.