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Commission keeps $50,000 consultant contract for housing plan; public mixed on hiring outside firm
Summary
The commission approved a not-to-exceed $50,000 contract to bring in a consultant to revisit low-income and supportive housing strategies as part of the consolidated plan; public commenters split over whether outside consultants are the best use of funds.
The Battle Creek City Commission on March 18 approved a not-to-exceed $50,000 engagement to retain an outside consultant to assist with low-income and supportive housing planning connected to the city’s consolidated plan. The amount shown in meeting discussion was identified by commissioners and public commenters as a grant award rather than a general-fund expenditure.
Several members of the public addressed the commission during the agenda item. Rhys Adkins said he opposed spending $50,000 to bring in a law firm or consultant to study low-income housing when, in his view, existing structures should already be addressing the problem. Another resident, identified only as Kathy, urged support for the consultant, saying an outside firm would bring "a fresh set of eyes" and help the city identify appropriate locations and supportive services for permanent supportive housing. Kathy told commissioners the selected contractor was Aligned Planning and that she supported the city’s consolidated-plan work and a housing steering committee.
Commission discussion noted the funding source: commissioners indicated the $50,000 is a grant from MSHDA (Michigan State Housing Development Authority) targeted for this purpose. A commissioner who spoke in favor called housing shortages a national crisis and said communities must pursue multiple approaches. Other public commenters asked for clearer backup materials online showing grant sources so residents can see the money is not drawn from the city’s general fund.
The item was on the consent agenda and the consent agenda, including resolution 91, was moved, supported and approved by the commission.
Meeting materials and public remarks described the consultant’s purpose as reviewing low-income housing needs, locating sites for workforce-appropriate or supportive housing, and helping the city respond to local resistance that can block projects. No additional conditions, bid amendments or contract details beyond a not-to-exceed $50,000 figure were discussed at the meeting.
