Mich. city receives $1.5M grant to support first responder retention bonuses

By Aya Miller
mlive.com

FLINT, Mich. — A $1.5 million grant will support the recruitment, retention and professional development of first responders in Flint.

The funding will support sign-on bonuses, retention bonuses and performance-based incentives for personnel, according to a press release from the City of Flint. The funding will also be used for professional development in leadership, crisis management and operational preparedness as well as for technology upgrades.

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“This investment reinforces Flint’s ongoing commitment to strengthening public safety,” said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “We’re not just improving public safety — we’re building a more stable, motivated, and community-focused workforce.”

Funding opportunities within the departments were identified through research conducted by the city’s human resources department.

Improved recruitment, stronger retention and higher morale among public safety staff are expected outcomes from the funding. The investment also supports long-term goals of building community trust and ensuring efficient, effective emergency response, the release said.

The funding was approved through the state’s revenue sharing and grants division and will be available through fiscal year 2028. It’s part of a larger statewide effort to attract and retain qualified first responders while improving operational readiness, the release said.

Looking to navigate the complexities of grants funding? Lexipol is your go-to resource for state-specific, fully developed grants services that can help fund your needs. Find out more about our grants services here.
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Editor’s note: The headline has been corrected to reflect the grant amount of $1.5 million, not $15 million, as originally reported. We apologize for the confusion.