As you know, over the past few years, thousands of Detroiters have lost their homes because of an overassessment of their properties. 

During this episode, we will discuss the cause of this crisis and the best remedies for Detroiters. We will also discuss the recently passed Detroit City Council Ordinance … Right to Counsel. 

Guest Speakers: 

Dr. Esmat Ishag-Osman is the Research Council’s expert on all policy matters related to Detroit affairs. He joined the Citizens Research Council in 2021 after completing his Ph.D. in political science from Wayne State University. Esmat earned his doctorate with a focus in American Government and minored in Urban and Comparative Politics. 

In his eight years living in Detroit, Esmat has been involved in every aspect of civic life in the city. Before joining the Citizen’s Research Council, Esmat worked as a Research Assistant with the Political Science Department and the Center for Urban Studies at Wayne State University. He also taught for three years working as a political science instructor at Wayne State University. During that time, he worked as a Senior Policy Analyst for a Detroit-based, civic engagement non-profit called CitizenDetroit. He has worked on several campaigns and has also worked as a community organizer.  Currently, he is on the Board of Directors for Black Family Development, Inc.

Attorney Tonya Phillips is an attorney who practices in Michigan and advocates for equitable and inclusive public policies.  Tonya currently serves as the Community Partnerships & Development Director for the Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice in Detroit.  Tonya has over fifteen years of legal experience and twenty-five years of professional public service experience.  Tonya also consults with Michigan Legal Services on housing policies for low-income families.  Attorney Tonya is the project leader for the Detroit Right to Counsel Coalition who worked with City Council President Mary Sheffield to pass the Right to Counsel Ordinance on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.