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A guide on how Michigan's legislature works, indigenous sugar bash practices, the over-assessment of Detroit's poorest properties, and the "art" of Zingerman's.
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By Michigan law, cities are not allowed to assess homes at over 50% of their market value. But a University of Chicago study concludes that Detroit continues to do so, and disproportionately to the lowest-value homes.
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In 2012, Detroiters began electing most City Council members by district. But since the city has continued to lose population and districts have become unbalanced, the Council is required to redraw the maps.
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The reforms come in the wake Detroit’s devastating tax foreclosure crisis, which was driven in part by inflated assessments. From 2010 through 2016, the city overtaxed homeowners by an estimated $600 million, fueling displacement and blight that still haunt Detroit neighborhoods today.
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The office will provide case management services to residents in need of affordable housing.
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Detroit City Council approved more tax incentives for the District Detroit project. A Ypsilanti school teacher and poet talked about her new book of poems for children. How companies are looking to address shortage of skilled laborers. Finally, a discussion with two theater intimacy coordinators.
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The deal would give the Detroit International Bridge Company, which owns the Ambassador Bridge, a piece of vacant land on Jefferson Avenue near the bridge. In return, the company would give the city $2 million to upgrade Riverside Park.
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The city had said it would cut those services by 70% later this month, after the Detroit City Council rejected a contract with one of the city’s current providers. But Duggan said the federal government made it clear that would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the city has found temporary providers to fill the gaps.
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The Council first voted 5-3 to approve the contract with Transdev Services. Then, Council Member Gabriela Santiago Romero retracted her yes vote, leading to a 4-4 tie and the contract ultimately failing.
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The Coalition for Property Tax Justice said Attorney General Dana Nessel told them she would issue a legal opinion on whether the city can compensate some homeowners in cash or with property tax credits. The Coalition said that’s the appropriate way to redress historical property over-assessments that led to over-taxation, which helped fuel a wave of tax foreclosures in Detroit.