What is the Blight Bond?

November 11, 2019

Note: City Council is expected to vote on this issue Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019. Today is a holiday, please make a call, email or tweet Council Members so they receive your message before tmrw's 10 am session. Thank you!

What is the Blight Bond?

Detroit City Council has been asked by the administration to vote to place a $250 Million Bond on the ballot in March 2020.

What is a Municipal Bond?
A municipal bond is a way that city’s pay for important things that improve our community like schools, roads and public transit. These are investments that need to be paid back and that payback includes interest.

How does the city pay back the investment? Typically these investments are paid back by the city through a millage. A millage is a tax rate on the value of property.

Detroit People’s Platform encourage members and supporters to contact their council representatives and demand that they vote “No” on placing the bond on the ballot. Why?

The bond is for $250 million but the interest on the loan may be up to $170 million. The total cost will be up to $420 million!

Detroiters don’t need more debt!

Banks and property speculators who have created the blight through neglect but typically receive a pass should be made to pay instead of Detroiters.

This tax will disproportionately impact Detroit home owners and they will feel the brunt of this increase.

Take Action!
Contact City Council and demand they protect Detroiters from another mortgage on our city’s future.

Detroit City Council Contact Information

Brenda Jones, Council President, At-Large
313-224-1245 – @DetCouncilPres
bjones_mb@detroitmi.gov

Janeé L Ayers, At-Large
313-224-1027 – @Ayers4Detroit
ayersj@detroitmi.gov

James Tate, District 1
313-224-1027 – @CouncilmanTate
councilmembertate@detroitmi.gov

Roy McCalister Jr., District 2
313-224-4535 – @RoyMcCalisterJr
councilmemberMcCalister@detroitmi.gov

Scott Benson, District 3
313-224-1198 – @Scottinthe3rd
bensons@detroitmi.gov

André Spivey, District 4
313-224-4505 – @AndreLSpivey
councilmanspivey@detroitmi.gov

Mary Sheffield, President Pro Temp, District 5
313-224-4505 – @MsMarySheffield
councilmembersheffield@detroitmi.gov

Raquel Casteñeda-Lopez, District 6
313-224-2450 – @Raquel4Detroit
councilmemberraquel@detroitmi.gov

Gabe Leland, District 7
313-224-2151 – @GabeLeland
lelandg@detroitmi.gov