Downtown Muskegon - Home Owner Resources/Incentives

Many programs and incentives are available for those interested in living downtown Muskegon. Please look over the list below and contact Jessica Elsey at j.elsey1@verizon.net to find out more about how you could benefit by living downtown.

Tax-Free Renaissance Zone

The taxes that home owners do not pay comprise nearly all the state and local taxes levied on individual activity: state personal income tax, six-mill state education tax, local personal property tax, local real property tax, and local income tax.
This tax free status is applicable through 2014. In all cases, the tax relief will be phased out in 25% increments over the last three years of the program.

There are three Renaissance Zones downtown Muskegon, each having residential opportunities. The are pictured at right, but is necessary to confirm that the location you may be considering moving to is indeed located in a Renaissance Zone. The descriptions of homes available on the Downtown Living Opportunities page notes which properties are eligible for this incentive. To zoom in click on the map.

Neighborhood Improvement Program

If you own a home in North Nelson Neighborhood*, we may be able to pay 75% of your improvement costs!

New Roof = $4000
->we pay $3000
New Windows = $5000
->we pay $3750
New Siding = $6000
->we pay $4500

Your total cost = $3750 for a new roof, siding and windows!(see before and after pictures at right)

Income restrictions apply. North Nelson Neighborhood is considered to be the area bounded by Western Ave, Third St, Eighth St, and Monroe St. Contact j.elsey1@verizon.net to find out more

Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Incentive

Most of North Nelson Neighborhood is in a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone.

This means if you’re planning improvements to your home, you can fill out a one-page application and property taxes on your home won’t increase for twelve years!

Here’s an example provided by the City Treasurer:

If the taxable value of your home is $15,000, you will pay approximately $593 in property taxes in 2005.

If you extensively renovate your home without applying for the NEZ and raise the taxable value to $47,500, you will owe $1877 in property taxes this year.

If you had filled out an NEZ application before you started remodeling, your property taxes would have stayed at $593/year for the next twelve years – saving you a minimum of $1,284 a year, or a total of $15,408!

It’s easy.

If you’re planning to remodel your home, or are buying a home that needs work, stop by the planning department at City Hall and pick up an application. Call 231-724-6702 for more information.