Housing Development Specialist

Housing Development Specialist – Pontiac Home Repair & Land Management Department: Housing Vitality Reports To: Housing Vitality Manager Status: Full time, Exempt Position Summary The Housing Development Specialist oversees the daily operations of Pontiac’s home rehabilitation programs and the strategic management of municipal land assets.

This role involves high-level coordination between residents, contractors, and city leadership to ensure the successful deployment of federal and local housing funds. The specialist will play a critical role in neighborhood stabilization by facilitating the sale of city-owned lots and ensuring all housing initiatives comply with strict federal oversight.

Essential Functions

Program Administration & Compliance Oversee programs funded by HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) , including CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) and HUD HOME sponsored initiatives. Manage the full application lifecycle for residents, making formal eligibility determinations for repair services based on program guidelines.

Maintain meticulous electronic records and database entries to ensure "audit-ready" compliance with federal and state regulations. Assign contractors to approved projects and verify that all licenses and insurance coverages remain current. Review project milestones and coordinate timely payments to vendors and contractors.

Conduct follow-up and final inspections to ensure work quality meets program standards and local building codes. Land Management & Public Advocacy Facilitate the strategic sale and disposition of city-owned lots to promote local housing initiatives. Attend and present at City Council meetings to facilitate the approval and sale of municipal lots.

Market housing programs to the community through targeted outreach to ensure equitable access to resources. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong ability to interpret and apply complex federal (HUD/CDBG), state, and local ordinances related to housing and community development. Ability to communicate clearly with residents, contractors, and city officials in face-to-face settings, public meetings, and formal written reports.

Contribute to the development and evaluation of affordable housing research and program resource allocation. Demonstrate resourcefulness in resolving conflicts between vendors and residents or navigating complex title/lien issues.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or Urban Planning preferred). Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in housing development, housing rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, or a closely related field. Technical Knowledge: Direct experience working with HUD-funded programs (CDBG, HOME) is highly preferred.

Must possess and maintain a valid Michigan Driver’s License.