ECCOdetroit is starting a new project that will take us through the summer. We want to hear your story, the good, the bad and the ugly. Our mission is to engage with the city and help to facilitate positive changes in the community; so we thought we would begin with you. Come out and tell us what you think can be done to improve your community.
What can the Human Rights Department do for Detroit?
By: Jacqueline Bejma
As I’ve been following the Detroit Charter Revision Commission, the various roles and responsibilities of different departments, commissions and boards have been discussed. This week, the Commission will tackle proposals related to city departments and services. There is some talk of a consolidation of departments in an attempt to decrease the size of city government for fiscal reasons, as well as to make government more efficient. Already, the Office of the Ombudsperson will be eliminated, with its role being assumed in part by a newly created Office of Inspector General and by district city council representatives. The next few editorials I write will address various departments, attempting to clarify their role in our City and how they may fit into our newly created district system. I begin this week with an exploration of the Human Rights Department, which I believe can work hand-in-hand with Citizen Planning Councils and other city departments to secure the human rights of every Detroiter in an equitable and sustainable way.
