Survey And Virtual Forums To Inform Regional Plans And Priorities Near Grand Rapids

Press release from the City of Grand Rapids:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids and Kent County residents are invited to identify priorities for investment of future federal grant dollars to support housing and community development projects and programs. Those wishing to submit input can complete an online survey or attend a virtual community forum. Information collected will inform a regional Consolidated Housing and Community Development (HCD) Plan covering July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2026.

The community needs survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Topics include housing, homelessness, public infrastructure and facilities, economic development and public services. Survey questions range from: “How strongly do you believe your community has housing that meets your needs?” and “How satisfied are you with your current neighborhood or housing?” to “Do you believe you have been the victim of predatory lending?” Responses are specific to where one lives and remain anonymous.

To complete the survey in English, CLICK HERE. To complete the survey in Spanish, CLICK HERE.

In addition to the survey, virtual community forums are scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. October 7 and 8 and October 12, 14, and 15. Each forum will be for residents of a different geographic area. Sessions will be offered simultaneously in English and Spanish. The forum schedule and links to access the meetings are provided below.

• October 7 – Northern Kent County
• October 8 – Southern Kent County
• October 12 – Grand Rapids, Ward 1
• October 14 – Grand Rapids, Ward 2
• October 15 – Grand Rapids, Ward 3

To attend any community forum via ZOOM, please click:

• English – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7111179902
• Spanish – https://zoom.us/j/99461790492

Submission of an HCD Plan by local governments are required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as are applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) programs.

This is the second time that the Community Development departments of Kent County and the City of Grand Rapids teamed to develop a joint HCD Plan. This regional approach will assist in making decisions that align and focus funding to provide decent housing, a suitable living environment and economic opportunities principally for low- and moderate-income persons and neighborhoods throughout Kent County.

This press release was produced by the City of Grand Rapids. The views expressed are the author's own.