Detroit’s new mayor, Mike Duggan, will be in charge of most daily operations of the bankrupt city when he takes office in January, under an agreement with state- appointed Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr.
Orr will retain oversight of the police department and finances, though he’ll consult with Duggan on public-safety strategy, according to a release from Orr’s office. Orr also will remain in charge of restructuring the city, which faces $18 billion in long-term debt.
Duggan will be in charge of the fire department, blight removal and all other operations in collaboration with Orr. The city’s general operating budget is about $1 billion.
“This agreement will allow the team I am assembling to impact city services that touch our residents every day,” Duggan said in the statement. “I look forward to making a significant impact.”
Orr, appointed by Republican Governor Rick Snyder in March, has power to run the city and has been discussing shared authority with Duggan since the 55-year-old former hospital executive was elected Nov. 5 to succeed Dave Bing.
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