Detroit's New Mayor Given Daily Duties by Emergency Manager Orr

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.