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Kalamazoo commission approves $2.8 million HUD action plan for 2026, funding repairs, rental assistance and neighborhood projects
Summary
After a public hearing, the commission approved the city'026 Program Year HUD Action Plan allocating roughly $2.8 million (CDBG, HOME and program income) to critical repairs, rental assistance, code inspections and neighborhood public‑service projects.
The Kalamazoo City Commission voted April 20 to approve the Program Year 2026 HUD Action Plan, a package that directs federal CDBG and HOME dollars and program income toward housing repairs, rental assistance and neighborhood improvements.
City staff said HUD allocated about $2.1 million in CDBG/HOME funds for the 2026 program year, and with program income the action plan budget totals roughly $2.8 million. "For program year 2026 HUD is allocated 2.1 million from the CDBG and HOME programs to the city," Community Development manager Cheryl Parsons told the commission during a staff presentation that explained national objectives and regulatory requirements tied to CDBG and HOME grants.
Under the approved plan the city will fund critical home repairs for an estimated 79 owner‑occupied single‑family homes through nonprofit partners, provide rental and security deposit assistance intended to reach 40–45 households, and rehab three rental units within the New Village Park affordable housing project. The plan also funds public‑service partners, including Catholic Family Services, CARES, Legal Aid of Western Michigan, Kalamazoo Literacy Council, Casey Ready 4s and the YWCA survivor stabilization initiative.
Parsons told the commission that the city expects at least 1,500 housing inspections in eligible neighborhoods by the code team and proposed a neighborhood public‑improvement and blight elimination project for the north side (322 East Stockbridge) in the Edison neighborhood.
Several nonprofit leaders spoke in favor of the plan during the public hearing. "These investments matter. They help keep housing affordable, strengthen neighborhoods and make sure people aren't falling through the cracks," Eric Kerman, program manager for case management at Housing Resources, said in testimony supporting the adoption.
The commission moved to approve the action plan and associated budget amendment after public testimony. Several commissioners disclosed conflicts and abstained from the vote where their organizations were listed as recipients on particular projects; the motion carried. (Recorded roll call indicated a majority voted yes and the motion passed.)
Commissioners also approved related consent and regular‑agenda items that evening, including site sales and brownfield support for the Cal Recovery housing project. Staff said final submission of the HUD Action Plan to HUD must occur no later than May 15, 2026.
