Commission authorizes City of Birmingham Community House Foundation to steward Community House

The Birmingham City Commission voted unanimously May 18 to authorize formation of the City of Birmingham Community House Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity intended to own and steward the Community House if a pending purchase agreement closes.

Attorney Kathleen Martone of Varnum Law presented the proposed corporate structure and governance recommendations: the city would be the foundation’s sole member, the foundation would hold title to the building and operate it for civic, philanthropic and educational uses consistent with deed restrictions, and an initial board of nine — including two city commissioners and seven at‑large community members — was recommended. Martone said the structure would preserve the asset in perpetuity, enable tax‑deductible fundraising and require annual financial reporting to the city.

Mayor Clinton Baller said the city has scheduled a special commission meeting the following day to consider a negotiated purchase agreement between the city and the Community House Association. Commissioners moved to authorize incorporation filings, a charitable trust registration with the Michigan Attorney General and submission of IRS Form 1023 to obtain tax‑exempt status. Staff will prepare bylaws and related organizational documents and begin recruiting the foundation’s initial board. The application deadline for board candidates was announced in the meeting packet; interviews are scheduled for late June.

What’s next: Staff will file organizational documents and the city will proceed with the special meeting to consider a purchase agreement; the foundation will be organized so it can accept funding and operate the asset after closing.

Vote: Resolution authorizing formation of the City of Birmingham Community House Foundation — approved unanimously.