The Westland City Council adopted a resolution declaring January 2025 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and directed the administration to post resources for residents on the city website.

Councilwoman Baumann introduced the resolution and described how she first became connected to anti-trafficking work. “I think Westland needed something that actually supported this,” Baumann said, noting a U.S. government toolkit and rising child-trafficking statistics she cited during the discussion. Councilwoman Rakowski spoke in favor and urged the council to pair the resolution with hope and practical assistance for victims.

Mayor (name not specified) told the council that staff had already spoken to the IT director and planned to add a trafficking-resources tab to the city website “probably later this week.” Chief Dolly said the department coordinates with the Michigan attorney general’s office and would “investigate all tips” and planned an awareness post to follow the council’s resolution.

Public commenters, including Lauren Sewell, an anti-trafficking specialist who identified herself as a survivor, urged the council to go beyond ceremonial recognition and to develop local resources, coordination with law enforcement and education for families. Other speakers at public comment called for community-based forums and targeted outreach to places like massage businesses that some commentors said can be used for exploitation.

Council members emphasized education and partnerships with law enforcement and social-service providers. The council approved the resolution without recorded dissent and several members urged that the city consider making the observance an annual action and to include materials for schools, parents and first responders on the website.