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Architect urges Detroit City Council to create an Office of the Public Advocate to help residents navigate city bureaucracy
Summary
A licensed architect and development specialist proposed establishing an Office of the Public Advocate to resolve cross-agency red tape, address complaints, and help residents navigate permits, enforcement and property issues.
A licensed architect and development specialist urged the Detroit City Council to create an Office of the Public Advocate to help residents navigate rules, resolve cross-agency problems and address complaints about city performance.
Anne Golay described her work with property finance, life-safety and regulatory compliance and said she had previously outlined "four low cost, high impact organizational initiatives." Golay said Detroit is one of the few U.S. cities without a public advocate and that the office would help clear bureaucratic red tape, resolve procedural problems and prevent residents from being "victimized a second time" when they seek help from government agencies.
Golay asked which council committee she should approach to discuss establishing the office and requested a referral to staff who could take the idea forward. Because the council lacked a quorum the council did not provide a full response during the session; the clerk recorded Golay's comments and asked for contact information so the suggestion could be referred to the appropriate committee and staff.
Golay said the office would focus on improving residents' ability to live and work in safe, lawfully maintained properties and to coordinate among agencies on enforcement and remediation.
