Public Comment | April 17 2024 | Inspecting the Inspectors? Fight for Renter Justice & Detroit Jobs скачать в хорошем качестве

Public Comment | April 17 2024 | Inspecting the Inspectors? Fight for Renter Justice & Detroit Jobs

On this episode of Public Comment, hosts Khary Frazier of Detroit is Different, Malachi Barrett of Bridge Detroit, and Thomaesa Bailey of We Own Everything dig deep into the intersection of housing justice, renter protections, and accountability in Detroit's rental inspection system. With $12 million in contracts on the table, the City Council is facing tough questions about why inspection jobs meant for Detroiters are being outsourced, especially as city residents continue to live in unsafe and substandard housing. The conversation amplifies calls from leaders like Councilmember Whitfield Calloway to ensure city dollars support workforce development right here in Detroit—while uplifting the need for systemic protections like the Right to Counsel and the newly formed Tenants Rights Commission. From sidewalks torn up by developers to inaccessible apartment buildings, this week’s episode also explores how infrastructure, equity, and community voice intersect. The hosts break down how state law barriers—like the rent control ban—and underfunded city programs are leaving Detroiters stuck between slumlords and unaffordable alternatives. Whether it’s elders living with broken elevators or young families trapped in roach-infested housing, the need for local inspectors who understand Detroit’s realities is clear. Tune in for unfiltered conversation on the politics of development, the fight for tenant dignity, and why real accountability must come with investment in the people who call Detroit home.