Mount Clemens approves resolution to apply for CDBG disaster-planning grant for flood resilience planning

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to approve a resolution authorizing staff to submit an application to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) disaster recovery planning grant funded by HUD disaster-relief dollars.

City Manager Shipman explained that Macomb County was affected by severe storms and flooding in August 2023 and that Michigan received HUD disaster recovery funds to support local mitigation and resilience planning. Shipman said the city proposes an integrated planning effort including a citywide comprehensive land-use plan, an economic development plan and a downtown plan as a focused implementation area that will incorporate flood mitigation and resilience strategies.

"The city anticipates retaining a professional planning consultant through a competitive procurement process to complete this work with city staff providing oversight and coordination," Shipman said. He cautioned that the action at the meeting authorizes an application; award of funds is not guaranteed.

Commissioners discussed that the city previously submitted a second application in the program and said they hoped at least one application would be awarded. After brief discussion the commission voted in favor of the resolution, which also designates an authorized representative to execute required documents if the grant is awarded.

The next step is submission of the application and, if successful, a consultant procurement and planning process overseen by city staff.