Mayor Mike Duggan Chief of Staff Alexis Wiley told The Detroit News that a meeting is on the books for this coming Friday to evaluate refugee resettlement strategies in Detroit. The meeting encompasses 30 faith-based leaders. Duggan said Detroit is preparing to house refugees from Syria and other countries. Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit Secretary Thomas Rutherford told the News, “It’s a humanitarian effort and we want to be a part of it.” Northwest Detroit Brightmoor neighborhood, which is troubled with high crime and blight, is an area of consideration for housing the refugees. Michigan currently ranks third in the nation for refugee arrivals. The resettlement meeting will be held at City Hall on Friday and Duggan is not expected to be present.
