City Departments Coordinate on $346M Disaster Recovery Grant Implementation

The Detroit City Council convened on May 15, 2025, to discuss critical coordination efforts among various departments regarding the management of community development projects funded by federal grants. The meeting primarily focused on the collaboration between the Department of Water and Sewerage (DWS), Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD), Department of Public Works (DPW), and the Detroit Department of Health and Community (DDHC).

Council Member Durhall initiated the discussion by inquiring about the real-time tracking of project statuses, completion dates, and overall coordination among the departments involved. In response, HRD officials emphasized the importance of managing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) disaster recovery funds, which have ranged from $32 million to $34 million annually. They highlighted the necessity of proper management to avoid recapturing funds, which could jeopardize taxpayer dollars.

To enhance project oversight, HRD plans to add staff with expertise in federal regulations, procurement, and accounting. This staffing increase aims to ensure compliance with the stringent requirements associated with the CDBG funds. The department is also committed to maintaining transparency by publishing updates on a dedicated website for the disaster recovery grants.

The timeline for the grant spans six years from the date of the federal agreement, with project completion expected by early May 2031. Council Member Durhall raised concerns about potential changes in council and administration personnel during the project’s duration, stressing the need for a solid collaboration framework. HRD representatives assured the council that they are establishing clear roles and responsibilities among all partners involved, which will be documented and regularly reviewed.

The DPW's portion of the funding, approximately $9 million, will focus on enhancing traffic signal connectivity across the city. This initiative aims to improve safety during power outages and severe weather events by linking 230 traffic signals to the city’s traffic management center. DPW officials expressed confidence in having contracts ready for council approval by the end of the calendar year.

In addition to project management, the council discussed housing needs, particularly regarding unallocated housing mitigation and long-term affordable housing subsidies. HRD reiterated its commitment to addressing housing issues as a primary focus, indicating ongoing efforts to identify and fill gaps in housing assistance.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of effective communication and coordination among departments to ensure the successful implementation of these critical projects, with an emphasis on accountability and transparency moving forward.