Battle Creek Housing Commission

06/05/2026

After 33 years of dedicated service, the Battle Creek community is celebrating the retirement of Lee Talmage, whose leadership and compassion have left a lasting impact on countless families throughout the area.
For more than three decades, Lee served the Battle Creek Housing Commission with unwavering commitment, helping provide safe, affordable housing and support services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and working families. Throughout his career, he became known not only as a respected housing professional, but also as someone who genuinely cared about the people and neighborhoods he served.
As he begins this well-earned retirement, colleagues, residents, and community partners thank Lee Talmage for 33 remarkable years of service, leadership, and dedication. His legacy will continue to be felt throughout Battle Creek for many years to come.

04/14/2026

Battle Creek, MI — April 1, 2026 — The Board of Commissioners of the Battle Creek Housing Commission has appointed Christopher P. Lussier as its new chief executive officer, effective June 1.

Lussier was selected following a comprehensive national search to lead one of the region’s premier affordable housing

He brings 23 years of experience in housing advocacy, community development and strategic leadership to the Battle Creek Housing Commission.

Lussier currently serves as community development block grant state administrative manager for the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Neighborhood Development Division, overseeing a $110 million state and federal grant portfolio. Before that, he served as the city of Battle Creek’s community development manager.

"After a rigorous search process, the board is confident Lussier is the right leader to guide the Battle Creek Housing Commission into its next chapter," said Rosie Simmons, chair of the Board of Commissioners.

"Lussier has a proven track record of strengthening organizational integrity, expanding affordable housing options and fostering community partnerships, Simmons said. “His commitment to Battle Creek and putting residents first aligns perfectly with our mission.”

As CEO, Lussier will oversee the housing commission’s portfolio of programs, including public housing units and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) rental assistance program. Supported by a 15-member staff, he will advance redevelopment projects, improve operational efficiency and enhance residents’ quality of life.

“This community has always met challenges with resilience and cooperation,” Lussier said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the Housing Commission, and I’m committed to working with our staff and partners to expand access to safe, affordable housing and support the residents who rely on us every day.”

The Battle Creek Housing Commission provides quality, affordable housing opportunities and services to low‑income families, seniors and people with disabilities in Battle Creek. The agency currently manages 333 HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration housing units and administers 640 Housing Choice Vouchers, working with local partners to foster vibrant, thriving communities.

04/01/2026

Congratulations to Marcie Gillette on her promotion to Assistant City Manager and to Bush McCarthy on his promotion to Fire Chief!

Battle Creek officials announced the promotion of two long-serving city employees to the positions of assistant city manager and fire chief Monday.

03/02/2026

Exciting things are happening!! Join us Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 4 - 5:30 pm for a Fair Housing Workshop for Landlord and Property Managers. It's a great opportunity to learn about fair housing, how to avoid discrimination, and how to support tenants.

08/05/2025

Exciting update from the Battle Creek Housing Commission: On July 1, we've officially converted to RAD – and trust us, it's *totally* RAD! 🚀😎 Who knew affordable housing could be this cool?

For the uninitiated, RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) is a game-changing U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program that lets public housing agencies swap traditional funding for rock-solid, project-based Section 8 contracts. Think: unlocked financing for epic property upgrades, long-term preservation, and top-tier services for our amazing residents. No more funding rollercoasters – just smooth sailing ahead! 🌊🏠

What does this mean for Battle Creek? More modern, eco-friendly homes where families can thrive, build memories, and crush life goals for generations. We're pumped about the future – tag a friend who needs to know, share if you're hyped, and let's make affordable housing the talk of the town! Who's ready to join the RAD revolution? Comment below! 🔥👏

Marcie Parrish Gillette

04/21/2025

📸 Celebrating Excellence in Battle Creek! 🎉

Join us in congratulating Battle Creek Housing Commissioner Helen Guzzo, pictured here with Executive Director Lee Talmage and Deputy Director John Paternoster, on receiving the prestigious National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) 2025 North Central Regional Council Alvira B. Long Commissioners Award! 🏆

Since 2018, Helen has been a powerhouse "Houser" and community leader, serving as Commissioner and Board President of the Battle Creek Housing Commission. Her unwavering advocacy for seniors, low-income housing, and the unhoused population has left an indelible mark on our community.

Here’s to Helen—proof that passion, dedication, and a touch of Battle Creek spirit can move mountains!

03/27/2025

Battle Creek Housing Commission opens Section 8 Waiting List April 7-11, 2025! Apply online at http://battlecreekhousing.org, 8:01am April 7 to 2:59pm April 11. Submit name, full address, SSN, & household size. Lottery selects winners—don’t miss out, folks!

03/18/2025

Battle Creek Housing's Lee Talmage, Abe Alassaf, and Rosie Simmons teamed up with City Commissioner Chris Simmons and Belding's Sharon Carlson for a warm chat with Representative Bill Huizenga sharing bright ideas to make housing better for all of our neighbors!