Community Development

Beginning in 1974, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federally funded grant program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of needs for low to moderate income persons and is one of the longest continuously run programs at HUD.

Regulations governing the CDBG program require that all CDBG activities meet one of the following three broad national objectives:

• Benefit people with low and moderate incomes
• Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight
• Meet an urgent need (such as earthquake, flood, or hurricane relief)

The Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program (OORP) is a program for income eligible homeowners residing within city limits to apply for a rehabilitation loan to complete work on their homes.

Funding may be used to address conditions in the home that, if left unattended, would create an issue with the integrity of the home or become a detriment to the residents’ quality of life.

The City of Michigan City does not fund individuals directly. The program is administered by Housing Opportunities on behalf of the City.

Funds per home are available up to $20,000. Eligible uses of funds include:

• Improving energy efficiency
• Bringing a house in-line with building codes
• Ensuring home safety

Residential Exterior Community Appeal Program (RECAP) is designed to provide grants to eligible applicants for the purpose of improvements to exterior appearances of individual houses; the pride of ownership and quality of life to the participants. In addition the program was developed to primarily assist homeowners who do not have the financial means to respond to code violations that may exist at their single-family, residential property.

Grant funding for the program is funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program of the Indiana Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the City of Michigan City, Office of Planning and Inspection.

To be eligible you must own and occupy a home that needs and could benefit from minor, exterior improvements.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Designated area program open to all Westside Neighborhood residents with very low, low, and moderate income homeowners.
• Household must meet Federal Income Guidelines.
• Property taxes must be current.
• EACH improvement MUST meet and pass any and all applicable City building code and permit requirements.
• Rental or multi-family (duplex, triplex, etc.) properties are not eligible.

The program provides one-time grants up to $15,000 for renovation of the exteriors and/or yards of owner occupied single-family homes.

The Building & Inspection Department of Michigan City is committed to ensuring the safety, integrity, and compliance of all structures within our community.

The Planning & Zoning Department supports the growth and development of Michigan City by guiding land use, redevelopment, and community planning efforts.