Karey Morrow

This Regional Consolidated Plan outlines a coordinated strategic approach for the City of Muskegon, City of Muskegon Heights, and City of Norton Shores to address regional housing, homelessness, community development, and public service needs. It focuses on five primary goal categories: Economic Development, Affordable Housing, Neighborhood Needs, Fair Housing, and Public and Community Facilities and Improvements. The plan aims to strengthen neighborhoods, preserve and expand affordable housing opportunities, improve infrastructure and public facilities, support vulnerable populations, and enhance the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents.

This Five-Year Regional Consolidated Plan for Program Years 2026-2030 establishes a regional framework for the Cities of Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, and Norton Shores to address housing, community development, and economic needs, with a focus on low- and moderate-income populations. Key objectives include expanding affordable housing, improving housing quality, strengthening neighborhoods, increasing economic opportunities, enhancing public services, aiding in blight removal, and promoting fair housing. The plan aims to improve housing conditions, expand opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for residents through coordinated investment and planning.

This document outlines a Regional Consolidated Plan (2026-2031) and an Annual Action Plan (2026-2027) developed collaboratively by the City of Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, and Norton Shores. The plan details community needs, priorities, goals, and objectives for administering Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds, fulfilling HUD requirements. It specifies proposed programs, projects, and funding allocations, with a particular focus on addressing critical needs and supporting eligible residents in very low- to low-income areas, especially within the City of Muskegon Heights.

The council received a presentation on housing incentives and the Fire Fighter of the Year award. Discussions were held regarding an EGLE consent agreement and monthly departmental reports. New business included the approval of sub-committee appointments for 2026-2027, the authorization for the Interim City Manager to manage outstanding and recurring invoices, and setting dates to review the 2026 budget to address a deficit. Additionally, the council approved an agreement with the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners for a property assessment administration program and awarded a bid for the Broadway Phase 3 Construction project. A closed session was conducted regarding the City Manager search, resulting in the council's decision to offer a two-year contract for the City Manager position.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, including a successful motion to add the Police Chief contract discussion to New Business. Key discussions included an item regarding an EGLE Consent agreement and the discussion of the property at 2536 Peck Street, which was previously tabled. New Business involved a successful motion to approve the Paradise Event Center applying for an on-premise liquor license. A subsequent motion to approve Sub-Committee appointments for 2026-2027 failed, leading to a motion to bifurcate and update committee titles. Another item was moved to a future meeting pending consultation with Mike Franzac. The session concluded with entry into a Closed Session to discuss an unspecified matter, after which the meeting adjourned due to a lack of quorum.