City of Flint

09/26/2023

The Flint Police Department collected 68 assault-style rifles at a gun bounty event on Saturday, September 23 at Cathedral of Faith Church. Flint residents were able to turn in weapons with no questions asked, for up to $500 cash based on the condition of the weapon.

Unlike most gun buyback programs, Flint’s gun bounty program targets the types of weapons that cause the most harm and offers the residents the street value of weapons that are in working condition. Flint’s program does not accept inoperable guns that do not pose an immediate threat to public safety.

The gun bounty program is made possible by a grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. All guns collected will be incinerated, thanks to a partnership with Michigan State Police. The City of Flint administration’s policy is to never resell weapons.

“Gun violence continues to cause enormous grief and trauma, and I will not allow our city government to profit from our community’s pain by reselling weapons that can be turned against Flint residents,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “I am thankful to all of the residents who surrendered their weapons. Let’s continue to work together to prevent the loss of life in Flint.”

The gun bounty program is just one element of a holistic approach to reducing violent crime in Flint. In 2021, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley declared a gun violence emergency and followed it up with a set of public safety initiatives.

Through grant funding, the Flint Police Department has implemented a cold case unit, a witness protection program, overtime pay for officers, and 24/7 operation of its intelligence center.

09/25/2023

Art Walk happens every second Friday of the month in downtown Flint! It's a great time to enjoy the arts, support local businesses, and dine at your favorite downtown restaurants. Don't miss the next event on Friday, October 13.

09/22/2023

This Saturday, September 23, the City of Flint Police Department will offer up to $500 cash for automatic assault-style weapons, based on the overall condition of the weapon. No handguns will be accepted. Absolutely no ammunition is allowed on premises. Flint residents can turn in automatic weapons, no questions asked, and receive payment on the spot.

Date: Saturday, September 23, 12-5 p.m.
Location: 6031 Dupont St. Flint, MI
Event presented in partnership with Cathedral of Faith Church.

09/20/2023

Flint Area Touch-A-Truck
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: UM-Flint parking lot at Saginaw St. and 5th Ave.

This free, fun, family event is designed to build relationships between the police and the Flint community. Come see how a variety of safety vehicles work, sit in the driver’s seat, and beep the horn. Presented by Flint area law enforcement agencies.

🌭 Free hot dogs
🎨 Face painting
🎈 Balloons
🎶 Music
🚸 Child ID kits
🎉 Bounce houses
🚒 Activities for all ages

09/15/2023

Statement from Flint City Administrator Clyde Edwards:

We are deeply troubled by city council’s failure to complete the city’s business, both at their regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 11 and after two special meetings were called by the administration and then by the city council on Sept. 14. We called a special meeting on Sept. 14 for the purpose of resolving time-sensitive matters that impact the public health, safety, and welfare of Flint residents. After the council again failed to act, the administration was forced to take steps to ensure that Flint residents did not suffer as a result, and we have done so within the boundaries of the law as allowed by city ordinance.

We will ensure that emergency repairs are made to the Water Pollution Control influent chamber to eliminate threats to public health. We will ensure that hazardous lead paint is removed from homes where the health of young families is threatened. Homelessness is a dire public health and safety concern, and we will ensure that homeless families have the resources they need.

Learn more: https://www.cityofflint.com/special-council-meeting-called-to-complete-urgent-city-business/

09/12/2023

The City of Flint administration is calling a special city council meeting this Thursday, September 14 for the purpose of accomplishing critical city business that the council failed to complete during their Monday, September 11 meetings.

The agenda will include four resolutions:
1. 230301 CO #4/Contract/Shelter of Flint/Contract No. 21-088
2. 230306 J.F. Cavanaugh Company/WPC Influent Chamber/Emergency Repair
3. 230308 Lake Star Construction Services, lnc./Lead Remediation/Lead Based Paint Hazard Program
4. Resolution ( # TBD) to approve tentative agreement between the City of Flint and AFSCME Council 25, Local 1799

The emergency repair of the Water Pollution Control influent gate requires immediate attention. This piece of equipment controls the direction of raw sewage inflow at the treatment plant. City council must immediately authorize expenditure of funds for this repair to protect public health and ensure the proper functioning of the Water Pollution Control center.

Two other matters that impact the health and safety of Flint residents also require immediate attention. One is a resolution to provide an additional $25,000 in Emergency Solutions Grant funding (ESG-HUD) to the Shelter of Flint for emergency shelter services. An additional $378,000 in HUD funding must be allocated to Lead Based Paint Hazard Control Program to complete remediation of 13 homes through a contract with Lake Star Construction Services.

Finally, a resolution approving a tentative agreement between the City of Flint and AFSCME Council 25, Local 1799 would revise the wage scale to make it consistent with the wage scale update that was approved for 1600 last month. This impacts city employees who are dedicated to serving Flint residents every day.

Flint residents have fought to return our city government to democratic local control. Given the tenacity and self-determination of our community, can we continue to allow councilmembers to hurl racial insults and profanities at one another when they should be serving Flint residents through the prompt performance of their duties? Flint residents deserve stability and rational discourse from their political leaders.

This is a moment for Flint residents, as they have so many times before, to reach out to their councilmembers and encourage them to move the city business forward for the benefit of our entire community. The City of Flint administration is unwavering is its dedication to serving Flint residents. If city council again fails to complete its work after this further opportunity, the administration will be forced to use emergency protocols to ensure that city services are not negatively impacted.

09/08/2023

The North Flint - Neighborhood Action Council and Community Roots (NAC) is partnering with the City of Flint, Community Foundation of Greater Flint and the United Way of Genesee County to offer four City Wide Clarion Call Sessions.

The purpose of the Clarion Call Sessions is to give residents of Flint and Genesee County an opportunity to make priority recommendations for issues that must be addressed to improve quality of life and eliminate disparities for marginalized residents of the community. Recommendations from the sessions will be presented to the Community Foundation of Greater Flint Task Force 2.0 for oversight and implementation.

The first 25 participants at each session will receive a free t-shirt as a token of appreciation.

Session Dates:

Date: Tuesday, September 19
Time: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Location: Brennan Senior Center, 1301 Pingree Ave., Flint

Date: Tuesday, September 19
Time: 2:00–3:30 PM
Location: Hasselbring Senior Center, 1002 W Home Ave., Flint

Date: Thursday, September 28
Time: 10:00–11:30 AM
Location: The Dome auditorium behind Flint City Hall, 1101 S. Saginaw St., Flint

Date: Thursday, September 28
Time: 5:30–7:00 PM
Location: The Dome auditorium behind Flint City Hall, 1101 S. Saginaw St., Flint

For more information on the Clarion Call Sessions, contact Geraldine Clark of the North Flint Neighborhood Action Council at (810) 219-9515 or by email at [email protected].

The North Flint Neighborhood Action Council exists to address issues related to safety, education, communication, housing, and beautification by bringing together residents, block clubs/neighborhood associations, and organizations to develop responses for North Flint to enhance the quality of life for ALL Flint residents.

09/07/2023

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley announced on Sept. 6, 2023 that Phillip Moore will join the City of Flint team as the new Chief Financial Officer.

Moore brings a wealth of experience in municipal finance, administration, and pension system management.

“I am excited to welcome Phil Moore to Flint as we close out the successful transition period following Robert Widigan’s departure,” Mayor Neeley said. “Mr. Moore’s deep experience in local government finance and pension system management will keep the City of Flint on a path of fiscal stability and sound decision-making.”

Moore comes to the City of Flint from the Pontiac General Employees Retirement System, where he served as Finance Officer, managing over $500 million in assets. Prior to that, he served the City of Alma for 26 years as Finance Director and Assistant City Manager, and then as City Manager.

At the City of Alma, Moore supervised all financial reporting, accounting, purchasing, payroll, investments, budgeting, debt management and tax collection activities of the City. He created cross-governmental partnerships to address infrastructure challenges and support economic development.

“I grew up in Owosso and I spent a lot of my youth coming to Flint,” Moore said. “Flint was always a very exciting place to visit, and I have many fond memories of Flint. Now, I hope to contribute to Flint’s rebirth. I’ve spent much of my career working to make Alma a better place to live, and I bring the same goal and passion for Flint.”

Moore will serve as interim CFO and his appointment will go before the Flint City Council for its consent as outlined in the Flint City Charter.

08/31/2023

Flint City Hall will be closed Monday, September 4, 2023 in observance of Labor Day.

🗑️♻️🌿 The week of September 4, Priority Waste trash, compost, and recycling collection will be delayed by one day due to the holiday. The normal collection schedule will resume the following week.

Learn more about Priority Waste services: https://www.cityofflint.com/sanitation/

El Ayuntamiento de Flint estará cerrado el lunes 4 de septiembre de 2023 en conmemoración del Día Laboral.

🗑️♻️🌿 La semana del 4 de septiembre, la recolección de basura, compost, y reciclaje de Priority Waste retrasará un día debido al feriado. El horario normal de recogida se reanudará la semana siguiente.

Puede acceder a más información sobre los servicios de Priority Waste aquí: https://www.cityofflint.com/sanitation/

08/31/2023

Thank you to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Food Bank of Eastern Michigan for partnering to provide food for Flint residents. Here is the September 2023 food pantry schedule:

Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy.
Monday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m.
Monday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m.
Monday, Sept. 25, at 10 a.m.

Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road
Tuesday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m.

Mark Baptist Church, 3020 Dupont St.
Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 9 a.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 9 a.m.

Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Hwy.
Thursday, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 21, at 10 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 28, at 10 a.m.

Flint residents can also pick up free nutritional food at the three Flint Help Center locations:

1. Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy., open Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2. Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road, open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

3. Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Hwy., open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

September’s mobile food pantry distribution will have delicious, vitamin-rich produce including squash, cucumbers, potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage and sweet corn.

08/28/2023

Several ARPA programs are on the Flint City Council agenda tonight. These programs require council approval to move forward.

Seven months after the city laid out the ground rules for getting a piece of $15.6 million for community grant programs, five proposals are a vote away from receiving a share of American Rescue Plan Act funding.

08/25/2023

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and Ashley Capital Senior Vice President Susan Harvey signed the brownfield plan for the redevelopment of Buick City today, following Flint City Council’s approval of the plan on August 14.

“I want to thank our corporate neighbor Ashley Capital for taking another step forward with us as they continue to develop the new Flint Commerce Center,” Mayor Neeley said. “This is a gamechanger for our community as we look to close the opportunity gap in neighborhoods that have weathered years of disinvestment. We can look forward to 3,000 good paying jobs on Flint's north side as a result of this redevelopment, and I am so proud to welcome Ashley Capital to our community.”

08/25/2023

⚠️ A Flood Advisory is in effect for Flint until 12 a.m. Due to widespread street flooding, Flint residents are advised to avoid travel until severe weather has passed. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN.

To receive Flint-specific emergency and community notifications via call, text, and/or email, sign up at: www.cityofflint.com/alertflint/

08/15/2023

Tomorrow, Wednesday, August 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the dome at Flint City Hall:

In the wake of hundreds of thousands of power outages in Michigan, Flint residents have an opportunity to voice their concerns. Rep. Cynthia Neeley will join Rep. Helena Scott, Chair of the Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee, for a stop on the Dependable Energy Listening Tour. The first step to achieving affordable access to energy starts with listening to communities across Michigan.

This event will be held inside the dome of Flint City Hall. Virtual attendance is also welcome. Join the Zoom meeting here: bit.ly/3p4i5mg. Meeting ID: 841 0763 7720; passcode: 526971.

08/14/2023

🔥 Fire Safety Fact:
Working smoke alarms double the chance of a successful escape in case of a fire.

🚒 The Flint Fire Department is installing free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in Flint residents' homes. Call (810) 762-7336 ext. 5102 to request this free service.

08/14/2023

The MI Prevention Bureau of Fire Services is donating fire and carbon monoxide alarms to the City of Flint Fire Department.

Residents can call the Fire Dept. at 810-762-7336 ext. 5102 to request alarms. The Fire Dept. will deliver and install the alarms in residents’ homes. The Fire Dept. will also go door-to-door to deliver and install the alarms in areas that have a high incidence of fires.

08/12/2023

A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Flint until 11:45 PM. Avoid the area of Lapeer Rd. west of Dort Hwy. due to water across the road. Anyone who encounters a flooded road should turn around and not drive through.

08/10/2023

NOW HIRING: The City of Flint has 18 external job postings and hopes to attract Flint residents who are committed to moving Flint forward. You can find all job postings at CityofFlint.com/Jobs.

The City of Flint has negotiated the largest contractual increase for AFSCME 1600 union members in over 30 years.
✅ Upon ratification of the 2022 contract, 1600 members received a 2.5% wage increase.
✅ A $2 per hour wage increase was delivered for 1600 members in July 2023.
✅ All 1600 members will receive $0.50 (fifty cents) increases for the first full pay period after July 1, 2024.
🎉 That's three wage increases in three years for the City of Flint’s largest union.

The City of Flint has contracts in place with all six of its collective bargaining units and the City of Flint’s exempt wage scale has been updated for the first time since 1997. All of this means that wages for City of Flint employees are more competitive!

Learn more: https://www.cityofflint.com/city-of-flint-partners-with-unions-to-enhance-recruitment-and-retention/

08/10/2023

The Flint Police Department is hiring, along with several other city departments. Visit cityofflint.com/jobs to apply!

08/08/2023

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) today announced that the City of Flint’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) monitoring has shown the 90th percentile for lead to be 8 parts per billion (ppb). This result marks the seventh consecutive year that Flint's water has met the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

“We want the world to know that Flint is a strong community, and both residents and city officials continue to work hard every day to advocate for water as a human right," Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. "We have made many upgrades to our water infrastructure in the last four years, but there is more work to do to rebuild trust. Today, once again, we have strong scientific evidence of the quality of water in the city of Flint, and my continued prayer is that this will help restore Flint residents' confidence in our water system."

Since July 2016, the City of Flint’s water system has tested below action levels for both lead and copper during 14 consecutive monitoring periods. The latest six-month monitoring period from Jan. 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023 resulted in a 90th percentile calculation for the samples collected of 8 ppb for lead. This includes Michigan’s stricter-than-federal requirement that a fifth liter sample be collected to better reflect the impact of lead service lines.

The 90th percentile calculation of 8 ppb means 90 percent of the test results used in the calculation came in at or below 8 ppb. The latest testing result is lower than the previous 6-month period result of 9 ppb for lead and remains below the federal action level of 15 ppb.

Test results from 30 residences (Tier 1) and 32 commercial properties (Tier 2) served by lead service lines, showed four sites above the 15 ppb action level. Testing revealed that all four of the results were collected from Tier 2 sites where low water use patterns and aging interior plumbing continue to be contributing factors to lead levels. Of the four elevated results, two of them were attributable to 1st liter samples, which reflect the presence of lead in fixtures and adjoining plumbing. Overall, the results are consistent with data from recent monitoring periods and continue to demonstrate that the city’s corrosion control program is effective.

Tier 2 sites make up a growing portion of Flint’s water sampling pool as Flint’s residential lead service line replacement nears completion. If only the 30 residential sites had been used in the calculation, the result would have been 2 ppb. All sites were notified of their results and actions were taken to reduce exposure.

Strategies to reduce lead exposures in the home can be found on the State’s Mi Lead Safe website: https://www.michigan.gov/mileadsafe

Michigan in 2018 adopted the nation’s toughest lead rules for drinking water. The state’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) requires that all lead service lines in the state be removed. Water supplies are required to replace an average of five percent of their lead service lines annually over a 20-year period that started in 2021. Starting in 2025, the rule lowers the action level to 12 ppb.

Flint’s testing results can be found by visiting the State’s Flint Water website: https://www.michigan.gov/flintwater/

Additional information about Michigan’s new testing requirements and results state-wide can be found at: https://www.michigan.gov/mileadsafe

Photo by Jake May, courtesy of The Flint Journal.

08/04/2023

🚦 New audible crosswalks will help make downtown Flint a safer, more inclusive place. Learn more:

The equipment will produce an audible voice, telling pedestrians when to walk, the name of the street to be crossed and the amount of time remaining to pass through the crossing.

07/28/2023

Movies Under The Stars has moved indoors to the Capitol Theatre tonight due to the weather. Enjoy this free family event!

07/26/2023

Photo by Jake May courtesy of The Flint Journal.

Flint’s water tower has a new coat of blue paint and the words “Flint Strong” facing I-475—a message of hope for the Flint community and a statement of progress for the world, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley says.

“As a Flint resident, I am committed to clean water as a human right, and I am also committed to unifying our community,” Mayor Neeley said. “The words ‘Flint Strong’ became a rallying crying during the Flint Water Crisis, as residents came together to advocate for our human right to water. We put the words ‘Flint Strong’ on the water tower as a message of hope. We want the world to know that Flint is a strong community. Both residents and city officials continue to fight every day to ensure that Flint has safe drinking water.”

The City of Flint took the Flint Water Tower offline on May 31 for upgrades and maintenance. Now, renovations to the Flint Water Tower are wrapping up, and the process of putting the tower back into service should be completed in early August. The City of Flint will conduct testing to ensure that the water tower is clean and safe for use before it is reconnected to the water system.

The interior of the elevated tank has been cleaned and repainted, tank hatches have been upgraded, and nine steel roof support beams have been replaced. A 12-inch drain and an 8-inch overflow pipe have been completely renovated and a new catch basin has been added. New mixers are ready to be installed in the roof after the elevated tower is back in service.

After the water tower’s painting is completed, it will need to cure for seven days. Testing will be conducted to ensure cleanliness and safety, and when the results are clear, the City of Flint will start the process of chlorinating the elevated tower. The City of Flint will notify residents using Alert Flint when the tower is back in service.

“The Flint Water Tower upgrades are the most recent in a long list of water infrastructure projects that have been initiated and completed in the last four years,” Mayor Neeley said. “We will continue to work with Flint residents to build both a resilient water system and the community’s confidence in our water quality.”

Read more from The Flint Journal: https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2023/07/towering-symbol-of-flint-water-crisis-gets-new-color-and-message.html

07/26/2023

Strong storms are forecasted for Flint this afternoon. Isolated tornados, large hail, torrential rainfall, localized flooding, and damaging wind are all possible. Flint City Hall will close to the public at 3:30 p.m. today for the safety of staff and residents.

07/26/2023

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson launched a new way to bring services directly to Flint residents at ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hasselbring Senior Center yesterday, joined by Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley, Sen. John Cherry, Rep. Cynthia Neeley, and Rep. Jasper Martus. The new Great Lakes Bay mobile office will serve Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, and other neighboring communities.

Secretary of State mobile offices travel to community organizations and set up operations in the lobbies and shared spaces of their facilities. Residents can apply for and renew their driver’s license or state ID, update their address, register to vote, transfer vehicle titles, and more.

The mobile office will bring Secretary of State services to senior centers, foster care facilities, rural areas, and other communities with limited mobility or poor internet access. The ribbon cutting ceremony showcased services the mobile offices are providing to older Michiganders so they can continue to drive safely, exercise their voting rights, and remain active members of their communities.

Senior centers, senior living communities, and other organizations interested in bringing a mobile office to their community can submit a request at Michigan.gov/SOSMobile.

“I am so excited to learn that the Secretary of State mobile unit is coming to our area,” said Beverly Lewis, executive director of Hasselbring Senior Center. “There are so many people, especially our seniors and those without transportation, who have challenges getting to the local agencies to handle their business. This service will benefit them greatly. Thank you, Michigan Secretary of State!”

07/24/2023

Durant Park's basketball court has a fun and inviting new look! Thank you to the FlintNOW Foundation, Genesee County Parks and Recreation, Keep Genesee County Beautiful, and inspiring Flintstones, artist Jamierson Green and Detroit Pistons guard Monte Morris, for partnering to create this beautiful basketball court for Flint kids.

🏀 Visit Durant Park at 401 E. Witherbee St. in Flint.

FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - Durant Park on the northside of Flint got a fresher look today as the second of three basketball court renovations has been completed.

07/24/2023

The City of Flint is partnering with the Flint Downtown Development Authority to present fireworks during Back to the Bricks on Friday, August 18. The fireworks are made possible with support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Fireworks will launch at dusk, around 9:30 p.m. from Chevy Commons and will be visible throughout the downtown area.

Fireworks were originally scheduled for the Independence Day holiday, but were postponed due to inclement weather and potential impacts to air quality.

The Back to the Bricks weekend was chosen because security measures have already been planned for this date to ensure a safe, family-friendly community event.

“I want to thank our great partners for coming together to bring a second fireworks display to our community this summer,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “Positive, family-friendly activities like these are important opportunities to unite our community, encourage fellowship among residents, and create a sense of pride in our great city.”

07/23/2023

Don’t miss the Gus Macker basketball tournament next weekend, July 29 & 30. Come out to the flat lot in downtown Flint and join the fun! 🏀

07/20/2023

𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐮𝐦 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫; 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Test results confirm that a petroleum substance was spilled into the Flint River on June 29. Based on the limited amount of material found in the storm sewer system, the City of Flint believes that approximately 10 gallons were released into the river, contrary to the initial estimate of 200-300 gallons. After investigating the storm sewer line, the City of Flint has concluded that the spill originated near Dort Hwy, was a one-time discharge, and has stopped.

On June 30, 2023 samples were collected at three locations along the storm sewer pipe and analyzed for Oil & Grease, Total Volatile Toxic Organics (VTOs), Gasoline-Range Organics (GRO), Diesel-Range Organics (DRO), and Oil-Range Organics (ORO). The samples were picked up by a contract lab on July 5, 2023. Results show trace amounts of Oil & Grease and VTOs. GRO was not detected. DRO and ORO were found in the samples collected, confirming that it was a petroleum spill.

On June 29, booms were placed in the Flint River around the storm sewer outfall near the Utah Ave. bridge. Since then, the booms have been continuously maintained to absorb any discharge in the river. The City of Flint believes that residue at the outfall has been completely absorbed but plans to leave the booms in place until Monday, July 24 as a precautionary measure. When the cleanup is determined to be complete, the City of Flint will lift its recommendation to avoid contact with the Flint River near the Utah Ave. bridge.

For more information, please visit:

Avoid contact with the Flint River until further notice.

07/20/2023

The City of Flint encourages Flint homeowners to apply for the MIHAF program online at https://mihaf.michigan.gov/p/home or by calling 844-756-4423.

The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) provides financial assistance of up to $25,000 to eligible Michigan households to help with:

🏠 delinquent property taxes
🏠 delinquent utilities such as gas, electric, water and sewer
🏠 delinquent homeowner's property insurances
🏠 mobile home consumer loans
🏠 delinquent payments or park lot payments
🏠 mortgage delinquencies
🏠 escrow shortages
🏠 land contract delinquent payments
🏠 condominium/homeowner's delinquent association fees
🏠 delinquent internet services

Eligibility:
MIHAF helps homeowners that have less than or equal to 150% of the area median income and meet the following conditions:

🏠 Currently own and occupy their home as their primary residence.
🏠 Experienced a COVID-19 financial hardship on or after January 21, 2020 such as a permanent or temporary loss of income or increased cost of living.

To apply, visit https://mihaf.michigan.gov/p/home or call 844-756-4423.

07/19/2023

The City of Flint administration will present a resolution to the Flint City Council tonight to allocate $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for home repair programs for Flint residents. These allocations include $1.5 million to Metro Community Development, $1.5 million to Habitat for Humanity, and $800,000 to GCCARD to provide home repair services directly to Flint residents citywide.

Additional allocations to Court Street Village include $175,000 for house painting and $150,000 for roof repairs in the Central Park and Fairfield Village neighborhoods. An allocation to Habitat for Humanity of $875,000 would provide property tax, water bill, and homeowners insurance assistance.

“Flint families have been asking for help with critical home repairs, and today we have a message of hope that help is on the way,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “If the Flint City Council approves these allocations, the administration is prepared to move swiftly to implement contracts with service providers and make these critical resources available for Flint residents. These home repair programs will improve quality of life for the most vulnerable members of our community by making Flint homes safe places where families can thrive.”

ARPA-funded home repair programs are designed to assist residents in the restoration and rehabilitation of their homes, as well as assist residents in avoiding foreclosure. As a result, the City of Flint hopes to improve housing conditions, health outcomes, and mental health while decreasing the migration of people out of Flint.

Residents receiving support through these programs must meet eligibility criteria, and the priority for support will be based on the lowest income and/or greatest need. Residents must provide evidence of residence at the property for at least one year with a copy of their deed or a utility bill. Residents must also provide documentation of income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, which is the federally mandated ARPA household income limit. Finally, residents must be current on all City of Flint property taxes and water bills, or have completed an application for the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF).

Alongside the home repair resolutions, the City of Flint administration is including grant application information, information about the ARPA Community Advisory Committee’s review process, and the Project Evaluation Rubric. This will be available to the public on the Flint City Council webpage: https://www.cityofflint.com/city-council/

If the city council approves the resolutions, the administration’s next step is to sign contracts with the four community organizations. The City will work with each organization to communicate home repair application information directly to Flint residents.

This is the first in a series of resolutions that the administration is developing to allocate ARPA Community Grant Program funds. The ARPA Community Advisory Committee has completed its work and has submitted all funding recommendations to the City of Flint administration. These are recommendations only; the committee itself has no decision-making authority. The administrative team is reviewing and developing resolutions to send before the Flint City Council based on the committee’s recommendations, with some modifications. The Flint City Council ARPA ad-hoc committee is also engaged in this process.