The city’s draft Annual Action Plan – which updates priorities and plans for federal funding to address housing and community development needs – is now available for public comment.
The 2017-18 document also is the city’s application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to receive these funds, which target low- and moderate-income people and neighborhoods in Battle Creek.
This year the city expects to receive approximately $1 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funds and $200,000 in HOME Investment Partnership funds. Staff are forecasting a 10 percent funding cut over the current program year.
These funds are dependent on federal budget approval; Congress has not yet passed a 2017 budget and is operating on a continuing resolution. President Donald Trump, in his budget blueprint to Congress, proposes eliminating funding for the CDBG and HOME programs.
The city’s Annual Action Plan, the yearly update to the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan, is available on the city’s website – battlecreekmi.gov/communitydevelopment. The Consolidated Plan analyzes community needs and planned, strategic use of funds to address neighborhood and affordable housing needs.
A public hearing on the Annual Action Plan and proposed Community Development budget is part of the regular City Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 11.The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 10 N. Division St.
Anyone wishing to comment on the plan may do so at the public hearing, or in writing by Thursday, April 20 to:
Chris Lussier
Community Development Manager
City of Battle Creek
10 N. Division St., Room 117
Battle Creek, MI 49014
269-966-3315
cplussier@battlecreekmi.gov