Benton Harbor Seeks Public Input on CDBG Funding

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The city of Benton Harbor is developing a five-year plan for using its federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and is seeking public input on how to best allocate the hundreds of thousands of dollars the city receives annually through the program. Mayor Marcus Muhammad says eligible CDBG expenditures include home improvements, donations to homeless shelters and food pantries, and infrastructure work in low-income areas.

Why it matters

The CDBG program provides critical funding for community development initiatives that benefit Benton Harbor's low-income residents. By soliciting public input, the city aims to ensure the funds are directed towards the most pressing needs identified by the community.

The details

Benton Harbor uses its CDBG funding for a variety of initiatives, including home improvement assistance for residents, support for local homeless shelters and food pantries, and infrastructure projects in underserved neighborhoods. The city is now developing a five-year plan for how to allocate these federal dollars and is inviting the public to provide feedback on priority areas.

• The public meeting to gather input will be held on March 26, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at Benton Harbor City Hall.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Residents are invited to attend the public meeting on March 26 to provide input on how the city should prioritize the use of its CDBG funding over the next five years.