To: Dr. Beverly Brown, Community & Economic Development Committee Chairperson
From: Derek Bradshaw, Director
title
RE: Approval of a grant award from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, in the amount of $441,282.00, to provide for Genesee County's Weatherization Program; this grant requires a $28,164.00 match
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
The Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission is requesting approval to accept the grant agreement for 2026 Weatherization Assistance - LIHEAP funding in the amount of $441,282 for the period between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026. Staff is requesting authorization for Derek Bradshaw to sign the attached grant agreement. Staff is also requesting that the county provide matching funds towards the program in the amount of $28,164 in order to cover indirect staff costs not allowable under the grant.
BACKGROUND:
In October, the Board of Commissioners provided approval to accept the first two grants under the 2026 Weatherization Assistance Program - a Department of Energy (DOE) grant in the amount of $508,661, and a Weatherization Supplemental grant in the amount of $179,267. The total of these 3 grants equal $1,129,210. The Weatherization program aims to ensure the health and safety of low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, by reducing energy costs from increasing the efficiency of their homes. Weatherization is a process where a home is evaluated for air leakage, insulation and energy efficiency. Based on the findings, numerous services may be completed, including air sealing, insulation, and repair/replacement of water heaters, furnaces, and ventilation fans.
DISCUSSION:
Previously, the Weatherization program was administered through GCCARD. Currently, services are being provided by the Human Development Commission (HDC). GCMPC is working with HDC staff, with guidance from the State of Michigan’s Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity (BCAEO), to coordinate the program moving forward. As we work through this transition, GCMPC is expected to manage the program for City of Flint residents, while HDC continues to manage it for out-county residents. This will allow GCMPC staff time to obtain the necessary training and certifications through the state.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
No impact on Human Resources.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
A budget amendment to include this additional revenue is attached. Staff is also requesting that the county provide $28,164 in matching funds for the program.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
No impact on facilities.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
No impact on technology.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
To meet Genesee County’s priority of healthy, livable, and safe communities, Weatherization funding will be used to create safe and livable housing units particularly for low-to-middle income households.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Director of Planning to authorize entering into a grant agreement between Genesee County and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and accepting the 2026 Weatherization Assistance - LIHEAP grant in the amount of $441,282.00, allowing Derek Bradshaw to sign the attached grant agreement, and providing matching funds towards the program in the amount of $28,164.00 in order to cover indirect staff costs not allowable under the grant, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documentation being on file with the official records of the January 21, 2026 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of this Board), the Director of Planning is authorized to execute the grant agreement on behalf of Genesee County, and the Chief Financial Officer is directed to record the attached budget amendment.