City of Muskegon Invests 2023 Settlement Funds in Housing Stability, Neighborhood Pride through Fair Housing Partnership
July 9, 2025
MUSKEGON, MI – The City of Muskegon is celebrating the successful completion of three neighborhood-focused programs made possible by settlement funds received in 2023 through the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan’s (FHCWM) Neighborhood Initiative.
The $364,000 investment, part of a historic $53 million national agreement between Fannie Mae, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), and fair housing organizations, was directed to communities of color historically impacted by housing discrimination and the 2008 foreclosure crisis. In Muskegon, these funds directly addressed long-standing community needs identified through local engagement and resident surveys.
The City’s Community & Neighborhood Services (CNS) Department used the funds to enhance three critical programs:
City of Muskegon – Major Home Repairs
Project:
The FHCWM Neighborhood Initiative provided financial support for exterior home repairs, including accessibility improvements, with a maximum of $15,000 per owner-occupied household. The city’s existing Major/Minor Home Repair Program had a lengthy waiting list of families unable to afford essential repairs needed to maintain safe, habitable conditions. This funding extended support to households earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), helping bridge the gap where other programs, limited to 80% AMI, fell short.
Outcome:
34 owner-occupied households in Muskegon received vital repairs that improved safety, prevented displacement, and extended the life of the homes.
City of Muskegon – Beautification Gift Cards
Project:
This initiative enhanced an existing city program by using FHCWM funds to provide $200 gift cards to owner-occupied households for front-facing, minor exterior home improvements. Eligible upgrades included landscaping, painting, porch lighting, and other visible enhancements that contribute to curb appeal and neighborhood pride.
Outcome:
125 homes across the city saw visible upgrades through small but meaningful improvements that reflect resident care and investment.
City of Muskegon – Neighborhood Association Grants
Project:
FHCWM Neighborhood Initiative funds provided grants of up to $3,000 to Muskegon neighborhood associations for resident-identified projects within the focus area. This grassroots approach allowed local leaders to design projects that reflected their community’s vision. Funded efforts included a new community garden, refreshed neighborhood signage, and other beautification or engagement-focused initiatives.
Outcome:
3 parks or green spaces were improved through collaborative, community-led action.
These projects are just a few examples of the many ways the CNS Department works year-round to support housing access, neighborhood revitalization, and long-term community health in Muskegon. The 2023 FHCWM Neighborhood Initiative investment allowed the city to expand its reach, pilot new approaches, and deliver direct benefits to residents who need it most.
Special recognition goes to the CNS team, and in particular, Rhonda Kleyn—for their thoughtful implementation and partnership with FHCWM. Their work ensured that every dollar of this settlement advanced equity, housing stability, and community pride in the City of Muskegon.
To learn more about Community & Neighborhood Services, visit www.dev.muskegon.one/cns or call (231) 724-6717.