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Michigan City holds CDBG public hearing on 2026 plan; resident raises renter access concerns
Summary
Michigan City officials outlined the draft 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan — a roughly $650,000 allocation — and took public comments; a resident asked whether tenants can access repair funding when landlords refuse to make minor repairs, and staff outlined eligibility constraints and HUD caps on public services.
Dr. Damika Edwards, director of planning and community development, opened Michigan City’s June 17 public hearing on the draft 2026 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan and walked attendees through program goals, proposed allocations and public‑comment deadlines.
Edwards explained that the CDBG program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and exists to benefit low‑ and moderate‑income residents, prevent or eliminate slum and blight, or meet urgent disaster‑related needs. She told the hearing the city’s annual CDBG allocation is "a little over $650,000," and that the draft plan was released June 8 for a 30‑day public‑comment period that closes July 8.
The draft proposes spending across the program’s eligible activities while observing HUD caps: administration is limited to 20% of the grant and public services to 15%. For the 2026 fiscal cycle Edwards cited proposed figures including about $130,000 for administration, roughly $97,000 for public services, $125,000 for public infrastructure upgrades, $100,000 for public facility upgrades, and smaller allocations for code enforcement and housing programs. Edwards also summarized the consolidated plan’s broader 2024–2028 priorities: affordable housing, homelessness reduction, public facilities and infrastructure improvements, and services for youth, seniors and veterans.
During public comment a resident asked whether tenants can use the program when landlords tell them "minor repairs fall on you." Edwards replied that tenants may apply only with the homeowner’s or landlord’s permission and that the application must include the owner’s information. She highlighted program rules that make rental units difficult to serve: "that individual who is the applicant or the homeowner has to one reside in the home for at least a year, and after repairs are complete be there for at least 5 years," a requirement that can limit eligibility for renters.
Edwards described the city’s review process for RFPs and subrecipients: staff conduct an internal eligibility and request review, the community advisory group provides input, and HUD monitors subrecipients for compliance. She warned that corrective actions from HUD can require restructuring or termination of subrecipient funding.
On the demand side, Edwards said the city received 11 public‑service RFPs totaling about $250,000–$275,000 but, because of the 15% cap, can fund only approximately $97,000 in public services this year.
A separate public comment raised maintenance needs at two community centers that occupy former east‑ and west‑side fire stations; Edwards invited offline follow‑up and said she has proposals to consider. Edwards also corrected several FY2025 allocation figures during the hearing and pointed listeners to the city’s website for full documentation and prior years’ plans.
The hearing record and slide materials will be posted online, Edwards said, and written comments can be submitted by email to cdbg@michigancity.com or by mail; the city’s deadline to submit the Annual Action Plan to HUD is August 12. The city’s CAPER (annual performance and evaluation report) is scheduled for review in December.
The hearing closed after attendees had the opportunity to ask questions; no formal vote or final action on the draft occurred at the meeting.
