City Subscriptions

NEIGHBORHOOD FORUMS ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING NEEDS

The City of Duluth annually receives substantial funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist persons with low and moderate incomes (up to $49,850 for a family of four) and neighborhoods where a majority of low and moderate income people reside.  Prior to awarding these funds, a comprehensive citizen participation process occurs, which includes a general community needs assessment as the first step.

Neighborhood Forum Dates:

May 14^th  -  6:30- 8:00 p.m. – City Center West, 5830 Grand Avenue

May 13^th – 24^th - Online Forum – www.duluthmn.gov/community_development

The purpose of these public forums (conducted by the Community Development Division) is to hear from Duluth residents (especially persons with low and moderate incomes, persons of color, and persons with disabilities), and service providers in an interactive setting about the community’s needs.  These needs include four major categories: 1) economic development (including job training) initiatives; 2) affordable housing; 3) public facility improvements (such as parks, child care centers, senior centers, street and sewer improvements) in Duluth’s neighborhoods eligible for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds (Morgan Park, West Duluth, Lincoln Park, Central Hillside and East Hillside/Endion neighborhoods); 4) public services, such as affordable health care services and food programs.  An online forum will also be held to encourage more input.

These public forums are also the essential first step in the City of Duluth’s preparation of the 2014 Action Plan.  This Plan outlines the City’s assessment of community needs and strategies to meet those needs during the coming HUD program year.  The Plan serves as the City’s application to HUD for CDBG, Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds and Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESGP) funds (both the HOME and ESGP programs are strictly for housing and homeless needs).  Also, in collaboration with the At Home Partners, input will be sought regarding future activities and efforts in the eligible neighborhoods.

If a member of the public is unable to attend one of these forums but wishes to comment on the programs, (s)he may do so in one of the following ways:

Send written comments to:                 Community Development

                                                            Room 407, City Hall

                                                            Duluth, MN 55802

Fax comments to Community Development at (218) 730-5915

E-Mail comments to duluthcommdev@duluthmn.gov

Comments may be submitted after the public forums, since the planning and funding process will continue through the fall.  If you have special needs, such as an interpreter, please contact the Community Development Division at 730-5480 so that your needs can be accommodated.

For hearing impaired persons please call the City’s TTY/Information Assistance at 730-5230 or the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.

# # #