In Detroit, Mayor Mary Sheffield unveiled a housing compliance plan to improve safety and living conditions for seniors and people with disabilities, addressing concerns over poor maintenance in several senior facilities. The strategy focuses on eliminating hazards such as faulty elevators and unresponsive management, with the Village Center serving as a model for up-to-code senior housing, according to the City of Detroit.
The plan includes hiring two new inspectors for senior housing and five elevator inspectors to increase annual checks, doubling previous inspection rates. City departments will work together to enforce building codes, with legal threats and fines up to $2,000 for operators who fail to meet standards, as reported by the City of Detroit.
Starting in February 2026, Detroit will hold regular meetings with property management firms to encourage compliance with housing standards and prevent issues. Mayor Sheffield said, "Ensuring the dignity and quality of life of our seniors is an absolute priority of mine," and announced more inspections, legal actions, and cooperation with stakeholders. BSEED director David Bell said all 65 senior and disabled housing buildings will be certified as code-compliant by summer 2026, using better tenant communication, partnerships with property managers, and strict oversight, as stated by the City of Detroit.
