Planning and Economic Development

Frequently Asked Questions

Community development Services

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Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

Q: Why aren’t Clinton Township, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights      or Warren included in the County’s CDBG program?
A: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is able to      distribute money directly to communities with a population greater than 50,000.      These communities directly receive funding from (HUD) upon a      Congressionally mandated formula.  The other Macomb County communities      do not, but Congress provided for their participation directly through the County.

Q: My organization would like to receive CDBG funds. How do I go about      obtaining them?
A: The Macomb Urban County hosts a planning workshop at the beginning of the      funding cycle, usually in early December. The County invites all participating      communities and those community development partners that it has worked      with in the past. If your organization would like to be included, simply call the      Community Development Services Division at (586) 469-6451.

Q: How much CDBG funding does the Macomb Urban County receive every      year?
A: Its annual grant is based on a formula established by Congress. This amount      may change based on the total Congressional appropriation for a given year.      The CDBG budget has remained relatively flat for several years.
Q: What can CDBG funds be used for?
A: Eligible activities are identified in the regulations. Each activity must also be      consistent with objectives contained in the County’s Consolidated Plan, and      meet one of three National Objectives for the program. Please see the listing of      eligible activities, national objectives, and Consolidated Plan priority objectives      for details.

 

Housing Investment Partnership Act (HOME) Program

Q: Under the HOME Program - How much can you loan me?
A: Loans are available to eligible homeowners for up to $8,000 for emergency      repairs (only one emergency repair is permitted), and up to $20,000 for non-
     emergency repairs to their home. Non-emergency repairs must bring the      structure up to Federal Housing Quality Standards and local housing codes.      They must also eliminate any lead-based paint hazards.

Q: How does the program staff assist in the HOME Program process?
A: Staff assists in application preparation. They inspect the property and give cost      estimates for the repairs envisioned. Projects are bid to program-approved      contractors. Staff prepares the construction contract and inspects the project to      ensure contract compliance.

Q: Who qualifies for the HOME program?
A: In order to qualify, the applicant must town and occupy a single-family home.      They must reside in one of the 21 Macomb Urban County communities. They      must carry homeowner’s and flood (if applicable) insurance, and not be      delinquent on the payment of their property taxes. They must also have a       household income at or below Federal income limits.

Q: What kind of repairs can be financed through the HOME program?
A: Virtually any home repair including, but not limited to: heating and energy items,      plumbing and sanitary fixtures, electrical work, replacement windows, entrance      & storm doors, replacement roofs, tap-in fees and water service, septic      systems, wells, and vinyl siding. The program does not do general painting or      general property improvements.

Q: Is any type of housing excluded from the HOME Program?
A: Work cannot be performed on manufactured homes or rental housing.

Q: How do I apply for the HOME program or get more information?
A: Contact the Macomb County Department of Plannng & Economic Development      or call (586) 469-5285 for information and an application.

 

 

American Dream Down-payment Initiative (ADDI) Program

Q: What is a first-time homebuyer?
A: A first-time homebuyer is any household which has not owned a home in the      previous three years, with some minor exceptions.

Q: I live in Warren (or St. Clair Shores).  Am I eligible to participate in the      Macomb County program?
A: A resident of Warren or St. Clair Shores may participate provided that s/he      purchases a home in the jurisdiction of the Macomb HOME Consortium, and      have a household income < 80% Area Median Income.  Applicants wishing to      obtain ADDI funding from the City of Warren may do by calling (586) 574-4687.

Q: I live within the Macomb HOME Consortium.  May I purchase a home in a      non-participating Macomb County community?
A: Yes, but purchases are limited to Macomb County.

Q: How do I determine if I am “lower-income” and otherwise eligible?
A: Click on income limits for an initial indication, but confirm the results with the      MCCSA case manager.  An eligibility determination is good for a six months.

Q: Where do I obtain an ADDI application?
A: Click on MCCSA Case Manager.

Q: Do I get to select my home?
A: Yes, but the homebuyer is responsible for any repairs.  The home must meet      code requirements at the time of sale.  County staff will inspect the property      and provide the homebuyer with a list of needed repairs before the sale      occurs.

Q: Must I repay the ADDI funds?
A: The homebuyer must own and remain in residence for at least 5 years, or be      required to repay the loan at a diminishing rate of 20% per year.

Q: Do I get to select my home?
A: Yes, but the homebuyer is responsible for any repairs.  The home must meet      code requirements at the time of sale.  County staff will inspect the property      and provide the homebuyer with a list of needed repairs before the sale      occurs.

Housing Repair Assistance Program

Q: How much can you loan me?
A: Loans are available to eligible homeowners for up to $8,000 for emergency      repairs (only one emergency repair is permitted), and up to $20,000 for
     non-emergency repairs to their home.   Non-emergency repairs must bring the      structure up to Federal Housing Quality Standards and local housing codes.       They must also eliminate any lead-based paint hazards.

Q:How does the program staff assist in the process?
A: Staff assists in application preparation.  They inspect the property and give cost      estimates for the repairs envisioned.  Projects are bid to program-approved      contractors.  Staff prepares the construction contract and inspects the project to      ensure contract compliance.

Q: Who qualifies for the program?
A: In order to qualify, the applicant must own and occupy a single-family home.       They must reside in one of the 21 Macomb Urban County communities.  They      must carry homeowner’s and flood (if applicable) insurance, and not be      delinquent on the payment of their property taxes.  They must also have a      household income at or below Federal income limits.

Q: What kind of repairs can be financed through the program?
A: Virtually any home repair including, but not limited to:  heating and energy      items, plumbing and sanitary fixtures, electrical work, replacement windows,      entrance & storm doors, replacement roofs, tap-in fees and water service,      septic systems, wells, and vinyl siding.  The program does not do general      painting or general property improvements.

Q: Is any type of housing excluded?
A: Work cannot be performed on manufactured homes or rental housing.

Q: How do I apply for the program or get more information?
A: Contact the Macomb County Department of Plannng & Economic Development      by calling (586) 469-5285 for information and an application.