DETROIT – Getting landlords to register and inspect their rentals properly has become a huge challenge across Detroit.

Some landlords blame the process. Others blame the issue on the costs associated with getting into compliance.

Some city leaders said they are working on a possible solution. They’re proposing an ordinance change that could streamline the process.

There’s an aggressive push to tackle challenges with rentals and those who own them right now.

“We have about 82,000 rental properties in the city of Detroit,” said Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison. “Thus far, only about 10 percent are in compliance.”

Getting landlords who have been skirting the process into compliance has become a major issue. That’s why some city leaders have been investigating the process.

“A majority of them are mom-and-pop type operators,” Bettison said. “We want to make it easier for them to be able to come into compliance and not have to deal with the bureaucracy.”

A proposed ordinance change, spearheaded by Detroit City Councilmember Mary Waters, will be introduced in the City Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee next week.

That change would streamline landlords’ rental property inspection requirements.

It would reduce a 37-point inspection process to a 15-point inspection, and it could also reduce the cost of compliance.

“It’s going to go, typically, from $1,000 down to roughly about $125,” Bettison said.

The revamped process would still focus on life, health, and safety factors that are a priority for Detroit.

The proposed ordinance changes would also make penalties stiffer for bad landlords while giving more protections to renters.

“Detroiters should also know that if their landlord does not have a certificate of compliance and is not registered, then they are not legally required to pay rent,” Bettison said.

Under the proposed plan, the city is beefing up and expanding its escrow program. That would give tenants more power to exercise rights against bad landlords.

Bettison said, “Residents in single-family homes and duplexes were the only ones that qualified for the escrow. So, with the new ordinance, we’ll make it apply to apartment buildings as well.”

The proposed ordinance will be submitted to the Detroit Council Committee on Monday, July 22.

Once it is reviewed, it would eventually go to the full council for a vote.

A man armed with an AK-47 pistol and wearing a ski mask was arrested on Monday just blocks from Fiserv Forum where the Republican National Convention is being held in Milwaukee, a federal law enforcement source confirmed to Fox News.

Homeland Security Investigators and Capitol Police were conducting surveillance near the RNC perimeter when they noticed a suspicious man approaching. He was wearing a ski mask and carrying a tactical bag, Fox News’ source confirmed. 

Inside the bag, police found the gun and a full magazine. His intentions were unclear.

Milwaukee Police confirmed the incident to Fox News, saying a 21-year-old man was arrested around 1 p.m. on Monday on the 1200 block of N. 11th Street. 

Police said the man does not have a concealed weapon license in Wisconsin or any other state.

Charges are pending review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, police said.

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Fox News reached out to the Secret Service about the incident and was referred to Milwaukee Police. Fox News also reached out to Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Homeland Security, but has not yet heard back.

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Despite their promises for a greener environment, our city and regional leaders have failed us in creating the much-needed tree canopy for the city of Minneapolis.

Local, regional and global climate experts have all agreed that urban cities like Minneapolis need to create a bigger tree canopy to ward off the effects of climate change and keep our city cool. Minneapolis is in particular danger due to the devastation caused by the emerald ash borer. Leaders at the city and county level have pledged to create a green environment, but their actions speak otherwise.

One only need look at the numerous projects underway around the city to rebuild roads and sidewalks to understand our leaders are all words and no action. Concrete is poured everywhere, with no space left for the trees that could help us thrive.

Just outside Mayor Jacob Frey’s front door, the project to rebuild Hennepin and 1st Avenues is a primary example. The project manager stated “there will be no trees on these blocks,” just concrete. Where is the mayor? Does he not care his neighborhood will be another concrete jungle? That his and other children will grow up without trees and will suffer the results of climate change?

The community surrounding this area in particular gave significant input on the need for a tree canopy and greener spaces. Those concerns remain ignored and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Hennepin County president (representative of this area and responsible for this project), refuse to engage or answer inquiries. We only heard that “the plan is the plan.” A walk around the North Loop and downtown show the same disregard for green space and a tree canopy.

I recently visited Medellin, Colombia. Some might say this is a “Third World” city. However, I witnessed a city committed to creating the greenest urban environment on Earth. They have planted trees and other greenery in every possible inch of space. It is magical to walk the streets. Can’t Minneapolis have the same as an advanced and progressive city?

Talk is cheap. Actions have meaning. Plans can be changed. It is time for our leaders to live by their words and take action to preserve and enhance our great city by building the greenest city in America.

Daniel Duty is a resident and business owner in northeast Minneapolis.