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Commission hears public comment on $8.2 million Neighborhood Investment Plan
Summary
City staff presented a Neighborhood Investment Plan that bundles $8.2 million in federal, settlement and local funds across eight outcome areas; residents and community organizations urged increased funding for neighborhood groups, affordable housing and transit during the public hearing. Public comment period remains open through April 29.
City staff presented the Neighborhood Investment Plan (NIP) at the April 14 Grand Rapids City Commission meeting, outlining a proposed $8.2 million package that consolidates federal CDBG/HOME/ESG funds with local and one-time sources.
“Mister Tucker” told the commission the package combines HUD program dollars with $730,000 in opioid‑settlement funds, $700,000 from the affordable housing fund and $88,000 from a Justice Assistance Grant. He said staff anticipates allocations across eight outcome areas, including about $2.5 million for creating and preserving affordable housing and roughly $2.8 million for improving existing housing stock.
The hearing drew multiple public commenters who urged the commission to increase grants for neighborhood organizations and to protect transit funding. Dee Jones, who identified themself as chair of the West Grand Neighborhood Organization, said neighborhood groups serve as a direct bridge to residents and asked the commission to “continuously fund neighborhood organizations,” arguing current proposals were too small.
“Everybody should have better health care and better pay,” Jones said in urging larger grants and workforce investments tied to housing initiatives.
Deborah Cross, director of En Village, thanked the commission for prior affordable‑housing support and said the organization looks forward to applying to NIP funding for for‑sale housing projects. Tom Ralston of Union Suites Development, an affordable housing provider and applicant, thanked the commission for its consideration.
Several speakers raised concerns about downtown priorities and transit. Scott Atchison, a 3rd Ward resident, urged use of funds for a downtown information center and struck a cautionary note about longer contract terms for downtown ambassadors. Other residents asked the city to prioritize DASH transit service and to consider parking and crowding impacts that will accompany upcoming venues.
Staff said the public comment period runs through April 29 and that final awards and the city’s HUD submission are scheduled for May 12. Documents and full recommendations are available on the city website.
