Flint City Council: May Roundup

Editor’s Note: The Flint City Council Monthly Wrap Up! is a new series spearheaded by Jalen Garrison. This series serves as a guide to make council meetings journalistically sound, accessible, and engaging.

FLINT, Michigan – Welcome to the Flint City Council Monthly Wrap Up! This is a summary of some of the most important resolutions and happenings in the City Council during the month of May, as well as taking a look at what’s coming up in the month of June.

Last month, City Council began reviewing the proposed city budget from the Mayor’s office. Much of May has been spent deliberating over that budget and auditing economic decisions, with little new legislation passed.

Council fails to accept millage funding for Eric B. Mays Senior Center:

• The Flint City Council voted 3-4 to deny millage funding to the Eric B. Mays Community Center. Councilwoman Lewis and Councilman Pfeiffer were not in attendance.
• Last month, the council similarly refused to accept the millage, citing concerns with a lack of clarity on expenditures. Despite receiving a more detailed plan from city officials and community center employees, some council members have said there is not enough transparency in how the money is being spent.

The continuing development of Flint:

• At the May 11 meeting, the body voted unanimously, with one abstention, to amend an ordinance to allow the city to take measures to reclaim blighted, unmaintained property. The ordinance would allow the city to reclaim all vacant properties after unsuccessful attempts to contact the legal owners.
• The goal of the amendment is to target property owned by parties who do not maintain their spaces, particularly people who may not live on the property and neglect it. Proponents of the ordinance argue that this would allow for more development.

Coming Up in June

The future of funding for the Eric B. Mays Community Center:

• It’s still unclear what will happen to the over $54,000 in funding for the community center. What is certain is that this will be an important issue, especially to the senior community and Flint residents. The topic will continue to be discussed in council meetings until there is a resolution.

The City Budget:

• City Council was unable to reach a decision to approve the budget in May, and as such, the council will convene for a last-minute meeting on Jun. 1, the deadline for approving the Mayoral office’s budget.  
• In May, the budget faced scrutiny after members of the city council said there was not enough clarity from officials in their allocation decisions.

Leon El-Alamin Trial“

• Councilman Leon El-Alamin is charged with domestic violence and assault against the mother of his children and his former girlfriend. His trial is set to start Jun. 17.
• El Alamin is filling in the first ward seat for former councilman Eric Mays, and his partial term is set to end Nov. 18, 2026.