R 125.197 Hearings procedures.

Rule 197. Hearing procedures must include citizen participation as follows: (a) The authority shall, through its staff, hold not less than 3 public hearings in separate locations throughout this state biennially on the program priorities for the upcoming 2-year period. The in-person hearings may include an option for virtual participation. At the hearings, the authority staff shall solicit comments from the public, eligible applicants, and administrators and development owners on the Michigan housing and community development fund and program rules, guidelines, and procedures. (b) The authority shall consider the comments received at public hearings. Biennially, the authority shall review the performance, administration, and implementation of the Michigan housing and community development fund in light of public comment it receives. The authority shall also review the biennial plan, allocation plan and allocation formula, funding goals, and earmarks relating to allocation and award of the Michigan housing and community development fund money. (c) The authority shall submit an annual report to the governor and the legislature under section 58b(6) of the act, MCL 125.1458b. The authority shall include the statutorily required information in the annual report, and other information that the authority staff or authority board believe would enhance the understanding that the elected officials and citizens of this state have regarding the operation of the Michigan housing and community development program. (d) After the applicable application deadline related to the NOFA or RFP, applications for the Michigan housing and community development funds are public information subject to release under the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.