Detroit Ombudsman in Detroit: How to Reach Them

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Detroit

Government agency

Business hours

Independent city office that investigates complaints about City of Detroit departments and services when a resident or business feels a department acted unfairly or did not respond.

What it is

The Office of the Ombudsman is a charter office of the City of Detroit that looks into complaints about city departments, from blight and water issues to property assessments and unanswered requests. It is free to use and you can file anonymously.

Why it matters

When a city department is not responding, the Ombudsman is a neutral place that can ask questions and push for an answer. It is often the fastest formal route when a problem involves city services rather than a private party.

What to know first

Contact the department first and keep a record of what you asked and when. If the answer is still not adequate, reach the Ombudsman by phone, mail or walk-in with the location, dates and what you want to happen.

Limits and eligibility

Handles complaints about city agencies and services only; it cannot investigate elected officials and it is not a court or a lawyer.

What to have ready

Name of the city department involved
Dates and location of the problem
What you already did to resolve it
The outcome you want

How to reach them