Dearborn · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dearborn public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City IT department restructuring
The IT department is converting two part-time intern positions into two full-time System Support Specialists, saving $44,387 a year while boosting the city's cybersecurity capacity ahead of a broader 2027 restructuring.
Proposed federal Census rule on race, ethnicity, and citizenship data
The council formally opposed a proposed federal rule that would remove race and ethnicity questions from the 2030 Census and base apportionment on citizenship status. The city warns Michigan could lose roughly $1,800 per uncounted resident per year for a decade in federal funding.
FY2026-2027 budget and tax rate hearing
The Council set the official budget and tax rate public hearing for May 19 — the community's chance to weigh in on how tax dollars will be spent next fiscal year.
Senior manors rent increase deferred
A plan to raise rents $100, set a $792 base for new tenants, and lock in a 5% annual increase at the two city senior apartment buildings was pulled after councilmembers questioned whether the housing division already has charter authority to set rates. About 340 residents live in the buildings, each needing over $8 million in repairs, and the buildings run at a deficit.