MONDAY AUG. 17, 2020
LATEST CITY NEWS & UPDATES
NEW GRANT PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

We are excited to offer our new Microenterprise Assistance Grant Program to our small businesses, which are the backbone of Sterling Heights. Sterling Heights' Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) will be providing grants of up to $5,000 to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

This program provides CARES Act CDBG-CV grants, not loans, to small businesses with five employees or less. These grants are to assist with the payment of a business’s preparation, prevention, and responses to the Coronavirus. Some of the activities the funds can be used for include: purchasing materials or equipment needed to adapt business spaces and activities to comply with CDC and social distancing guidelines, purchasing safety supplies/materials for employees, and general financial assistance for business stabilization due to COVID-19 related revenue shortfalls, such as rent, mortgage payments and utilities.  
 
Applications will be accepted beginning Sept. 1, 2020. Program details, eligibility requirements and online application procedures are available on the City’s website.


For questions regarding the Microenterprise Assistance Grant Program, or for help completing the application, please email: microgrant@sterling-heights.net.
FRIENDLY CENSUS COMPETITION

The City of Sterling Heights has never settled for second best! From our safest city ranking, to award winning parks and a world-class library — we strive for greatness!

So, when we found out Centennial, Colorado is currently first place in the nation for census response among cities with 100,000+ population, and Sterling Heights is currently #2 … we knew we needed to step it up!

Sterling Heights has always been able to pull together as a community — we’ve seen that tremendously these last few months — and we need to keep that momentum going. By filling out your census you are helping our community by ensuring federal funding for resources such as medicaid, student loans, nutrition programs, road construction and more.

Complete your census today by visiting:
my2020census.gov or call (844) 330-2020

Remember - when we’re all counted, we all win!​​​
PAY TAX BILL ONLINE!

Avoid the lines! We want to remind you that you can easily pay your summer tax bill conveniently through a few quick clicks online or simply by phone!

PAY ONLINE! Pay your property tax electronically with credit card, checking or savings account by selecting 'Make Online Payment' --> bit.ly/3dMKMZ8

Please note, there is a 2.8% fee issued from credit card companies when paying your tax bill by credit card online. The City does not collect this fee. We encourage residents to pay using a checking or savings account, as this option does not charge an additional fee.

PAY BY PHONE! Pay your property tax by phone with credit card at (833) 819-5118.

DROP-OFF! You can also drop-off your payment to one of the two City Hall drop boxes located in front of City Hall (off the Utica Rd. entrance) and in front of the police department. DO NOT put cash payment in the dropbox!
PARKS & RECREATION FALL PROGRAM UPDATE

Due to the timing of preparing the Fall 2020 magazine and extended restrictions from the state, not all of the programs and events listed in the magazine can be held as originally planned. While some of the activities unfortunately have to be cancelled, we are excited to be offering a number of quality programs with modifications for people of all ages.

In addition, we have delayed registration for some of our programs in an effort to see if guidelines will change in a month. Our goal is to continue providing as many opportunities to participate in activities and engage with fellow residents through this difficult time, with more new programs on the way that fit within the state guidelines.

View a listing of all the changes related to the fall magazine as well as registration date changes as needed on our Program Updates webpage.
FREE COVID-19 TESTING IN STERLING HEIGHTS

Macomb County is offering free mobile COVID-19 testing to community members. They are currently offering nasopharyngeal or nasal swab testing.

WHEN:
Wednesday, August 26th
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

WHERE:
Lakeside Mall
14000 Lakeside Circle
Sterling Heights, MI 48313

Spots are limited to 200.

To reserve your spot, register online here.
STERLING HEIGHTS ELECTION CENTER
Election Center is now located at the Senior Center - 40200 Utica Rd
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For more info, email vote@sterling-heights.net or call 586-446-2420
STERLING HEIGHTS VOTERS TO DETERMINE FUTURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

On Nov. 3, 2020, Sterling Heights voters will be presented with two proposed amendments to the City Charter. The 4 ballot proposal would amend the City Charter to provide for a 4-year term for the offices of Mayor and City Council beginning with the November 2021 city election. The City Charter currently provides for a 2-year term for these offices.

The 400 ballot proposal would decrease the number of registered voter signatures required on nominating petitions to 400 for the offices of Mayor and City Council through an amendment to the City Charter. The City Charter currently requires candidates to secure the signatures of 1% of the registered voters in Sterling Heights, which equates to nearly 900 signatures.

Find out more info on the 4 & 400 ballot proposals at sterling-heights.net/4and400.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUG. 18, 2020 AT 7:00 P.M.

Regular City Council Meetings are being
held at the Sterling Heights Community Center located at 40250 Dodge Park Road. Meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.

You can also watch the live meeting via:
- Comcast Channel 5 (Viewing)
- WOW Channel 10 (Viewing)
- AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 (Viewing)
- YouTube live stream (bit.ly/3bbj86B)

To view the Aug. 18 meeting packet and agenda, click here.