This clip is an interesting glimpse into the financial review process underway in Detroit. Governor Snyder of Michigan proposed a consent agreement that would set up a financial advisory board for the city, removing authority for fiscal decisions from the Mayor and City Council, but falling short of dismantling the city government (which an emergency manager would do).
This process began in January, but was mired in secret meetings, and then a judge’s finding that the secret meetings were illegal, but now things seem to be coming to a head.
The most interesting part of this hearing was the presentation by former Washington, D.C. mayor Anthony Williams. Snyder has mentioned both New York and Washington as examples of cities that were “turned around” by similar advisory boards.