Flint, Mi. May Lose $4.3 Million Grant for Waste and Recycling

The Flint Mayor’s Office warns residents that the city could miss out on a $4.3 million grant-funded program if the City Council drags its feet.

According to the City, a proposed contract extension with Priority Waste is still up in the air. Priority Waste provides waste and recycling services for Flint residents.

The issue stems from the Flint City Council and its failing to hold a regular meeting on the second Monday of the month, as required by the Flint City Charter and the Rules Governing Meetings of the Flint City Council, according to Clyde Edwards, Flint City Administrator.

"This level of dysfunction has made it difficult to move the City of Flint forward," said Edwards.

"Unfortunately, our Council does not prioritize following Council Rules, nor the City Charter. Leadership is demonized for upholding the standards set forth for this body. As a result, quorum is consistently broken, and the city business is left on the table. Flint deserves better. I encourage every resident to reach out to their elected official and demand better," said Ladel Lewis, Interim President of Flint City Council.

The Council has until the end of October 2023 to approve the contract. If not, then Flint residents will lose out on trash and recycling carts provided by the $4.3 million grant program, according to the Mayor’s office. The program is made up of the parentship to provide free distribution and maintenance of both trash and recycling carts to all Flint residents.

“This is an awesome deal for residents to receive better trash and recycling services, and it will have long-term benefits for our city’s resilience in the face of climate change,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “The city council’s delays have had a negative impact on city services and ultimately quality of life for Flint residents, and I don’t want to see our community miss out on this transformative opportunity. I urge the council to move this project forward for the benefit of our community.”

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