Last updated: August 20, 2026

The City of Southgate, Michigan (“City,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) respects the privacy of visitors to our website (“Site”). This Privacy Policy explains the types of information that may be collected through the Site, how that information may be used, and the measures we take to protect it.

1. Information We Collect

When you use our Site, we may collect:

  • Information you provide voluntarily: such as information submitted through online forms, service requests, applications, registrations, or requests for notifications.

  • Technical information: such as IP address, browser type, operating system, referring pages, pages visited, and similar information collected through server logs or analytics tools.

  • Cookies and similar technologies: small files or technologies that may be used to support website functionality, security, analytics, and user experience. Please see our Cookie Policy for additional information.

We do not require visitors to provide personal information simply to browse publicly available information on the Site. Personal information is generally collected only when you voluntarily provide it or when necessary to complete a requested service or transaction.

2. How We Use Information

Information collected through the Site may be used to:

  • Provide access to City information, programs, and services.

  • Process and respond to inquiries, applications, forms, or service requests.

  • Communicate with individuals regarding City services or requests.

  • Monitor and improve website performance, security, accessibility, usability, and reliability.

  • Protect City information systems and investigate suspected misuse or security incidents.

  • Fulfill legal, regulatory, or governmental obligations.

The City does not sell personal information collected through the Site for commercial advertising or marketing purposes.

3. Disclosure of Information

The City does not sell or rent personal information collected through the Site.

Information may be disclosed when appropriate or required, including:

  • To authorized City employees, officials, contractors, or service providers who require the information to perform City-related functions.

  • To other governmental agencies when necessary to provide a requested public service or fulfill a governmental function.

  • When required or permitted by applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, court order, subpoena, or other legal process.

  • When reasonably necessary to protect the security, property, rights, or operations of the City or its information systems.

Information submitted to the City may also constitute a public record and may be subject to disclosure under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Public Act 442 of 1976, as amended, unless the information is exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

4. Data Security

The City takes reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information collected through the Site. However, no method of electronic transmission, processing, or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

5. Third-Party Websites and Services

The Site may contain links to websites, applications, payment processors, social media platforms, or other services operated by third parties. These external services may have their own privacy practices and policies.

The City is not responsible for the content, security, availability, or privacy practices of third-party websites or services. Visitors are encouraged to review the applicable privacy policies before providing personal information to an external service.

6. Children's Privacy

The Site provides information and governmental services to the general public and is not specifically directed toward children under the age of 13. The City does not knowingly use the Site to solicit personal information from children for commercial purposes.

7. Your Choices

Depending on how you use the Site, you may:

  • Disable or restrict cookies through your browser settings, although doing so may affect certain website functionality.

  • Choose not to provide optional personal information, although certain information may be required to process applications, requests, payments, registrations, or other City services.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

The City may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, City practices, or website functionality. Changes will be posted on this page and identified by an updated “Last updated” date.

9. Contact Us

Questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy may be directed to:

City of Southgate
14400 Dix Toledo Road
Southgate, MI 48195
Phone: 734-258-3010