Pontiac's Planning Division announces $1.25M grants and housing redevelopment initiatives

Pontiac City Council has made significant strides in community development and housing initiatives during their recent meeting on April 15, 2025. A key highlight was the ongoing efforts to identify unregistered rental properties, with code enforcement personnel collaborating with Oakland County Equalization to pinpoint approximately 9,800 properties that are not receiving the Michigan Homestead Exemption. So far, they have reviewed about 6,000 of these properties, ensuring that unregistered rentals can be inspected while also informing homeowners about their tax exemption eligibility.

In addition to housing inspections, the city has upgraded its downtown parking infrastructure, replacing outdated kiosks with new machines that accept various payment methods, including mobile apps and contactless credit card payments. This modernization aims to enhance the convenience for residents and visitors alike.

The planning division, led by manager Mark Yandrick, has been actively facilitating several important projects. These include the relocation of Contour Windows, which will bring over 50 jobs to Pontiac, and the approval of three residential overlay districts designed to promote smaller, more affordable homes with quality architectural features. The city is also moving forward with the Oakland County redevelopment project, which will create over 600 jobs at the Judson Tower and involves the demolition of the derelict Phoenix Center parking garage.

Furthermore, the planning division is in the process of updating the city’s master plan for the first time in over a decade. This initiative, funded partly by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, aims to set a new vision for Pontiac, with the updated plan expected to be approved by the city council next month.

Economic development efforts are also gaining momentum, with the city dispersing over $1.25 million in ARPA grants to 38 local businesses. A second round of grants totaling $750,000 is on the way, along with a new loan program for all Pontiac businesses. The Pontiac Home Repair Program has been launched to assist residents in renovating their homes, with 238 homes set to benefit from this initiative.

To further stimulate housing development, Pontiac has established a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone, offering tax incentives for residential projects. The city is also pioneering the use of a new housing brownfield TIFA incentive tool, aimed at revitalizing blighted properties.

Several housing projects are underway, including the renovation of Casa Del Rey into 50 residential units and the Pontiac State Bank building into 114 units, with more developments planned for the coming months. These initiatives reflect Pontiac's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and fostering economic growth within the community.