Redevelopment

Goals

It is with the Citizens of East Chicago in mind that we the staff of the Department of Redevelopment and the Redevelopment Commission seeks to develop an interactive and informative website. This site will provide you with an array of information on Department activities, property meeting and plans.

It continues to be our goal to meet the ever changing needs of our community, while enhancing the overall quality of life for all who live, do business and work here. This site will reflect our continuing efforts to communicate effectively with the residents of East Chicago. Thank you for visiting the site and we hope you find it useful and informative.

Duties

Grant Programs

The Department of Redevelopment monitors annual federal entitlements to the City of East Chicago from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City receives an allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds annually based upon a formula created by HUD which is based partly upon the age of housing stock, poverty level and unemployment of the City. These annual awards are to be used for projects and programs which benefit low to moderate income persons and to eliminate slum and blighting conditions in the City of East Chicago.

Community Development Block Grant

CDBG funds may be used for a variety of efforts within the City provided the beneficiaries of the efforts (Programs and Projects) are principally individuals and families with income below 80% of the area medium income. In past years CDBG funds have been used for housing rehabilitation, new home construction, infrastructure improvements, park improvements and job training programs.

Home Investment Partnership Program

HOME funds are also to benefit those families and individuals whose income is below 80 percent of the area medium income and may be used on similar projects funded by CDBG. However, a certain percentage of HOME funds are to be used by local Community Development Corporations (CDC) to carryout programs.

Consolidated Plan

The City develops annually a Housing and Community Development Plan, known as the Consolidated Plan (CD). The Consolidated Plan is developed with input from the community (public meetings, written comments and recommendations, etc.) which make recommendations for the use of the CDBG funds.

Tax Increment Funding

The Department of Redevelopment oversees the City’s two Tax Increment Funding Districts (TIF) which collect tax revenue within their districts and use the revenue for a variety of infrastructure projects:

  • Park improvement in North Harbor
  • Project acquisition for Redevelopment Purposes
  • Street improvements in North Harbor