The Western U.P. Planning & Development Region is working with Invest UP and other regional planning agencies of the U.P. on a rent survey.
All landlords, property managers and rental property owners are asked to take the survey at investupmi.com/landlordsurvey
Thank you. 
August 11, 2026
City of Bessemer
411 S. Sophie St.
Bessemer, MI 49911-1533
906-663-4311
On or about August 19, 2026, the City of Bessemer will request the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to release CDBG funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.
Program funds will be used to undertake a project known as Five-Year Environmental Review for MSHDA CDBG-Funded Homeowner Rehabilitation for the purpose of providing units of local government with funds to provide homeowners, City of Bessemer, Gogebic County, earning at or below 80% of the area median income with assistance for essential home repairs. The Homeowner Rehabilitation program aims to improve quality of life for local residents by funding essential home repairs for properties occupied by households earning at or below 80% of the area median income. All repairs must: be eligible under CDBG guidelines as defined in the MSHDA CDBG Policy Manual; comply with local building codes; and meet the MSHDA Housing Rehabilitation Standards. The maximum allowance per household is up to $20,000. The program will service single family homes within the City of Bessemer, Gogebic County. The length of time covered by this review is 5 years from release date for the grant numbers and fiscal years: B-23-DC-26-0001; B-24-DC-26-0001; B-25-DC-26-0001; B-26-DC-26-0001; B-27-DC-26-0001 NDD-2023-9937-CDB The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements.
Estimated Total Program Cost: $195,121
The Tier I broad assessment of the project area revealed no serious adverse environmental impacts for:
Airport Hazards, Coastal Barrier Resources, Flood Insurance, Clean Air Act; Coastal Zone Management, Explosive & Flammable Hazards, Farmlands Protection; Floodplain Management, Historic Preservation THPO, Noise Abatement and Control, Sole Source Aquifers, Wetlands Protection, Wild and Scenic Rivers; and Environmental Justice.
Tier II site-specific environmental analyses will be conducted as project sites are identified and will include the following factors: Contamination and Toxic Substances; Endangered Species; Historic Preservation, SHPO.
An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at City of Bessemer, 411 S. Sophie St., Bessemer, MI 49911-1533, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Bessemer,
411 S. Sophie St., Bessemer, MI 49911-1533, or email to mandy.lake@cityofbessemermi.gov. Last day of the comment period will be considered prior to requesting a release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
City of Bessemer certifies to MSHDA that City of Bessemer and Mandy Lake, in his/her capacity as City Manager and Certifying Officer, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. MSHDA’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows City of Bessemer to use HUD Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
MSHDA will accept objections to its release of funds and the Grantee’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Grantee; (b) the Certifying Officer has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by MSHDA; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and can be sent via email to mshda-cdbg@michigan.gov or through the mail, addressed to MSHDA – CDBG, 735 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48912. Potential objectors should contact MSHDA to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Mandy Lake, City Manager
City of Bessemer
Canvassing for both Early Voting and Election Day for the City of Bessemer will be taking place at the Gogebic County Courthouse 200 N Moore St., Bessemer, MI 49911 on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, at 10 AM. Any questions regarding the precinct canvass can be directed to the Gogebic County Clerk and Elections results can be found online at Gogebic County Election Information after the election.
To the qualified electors of Bessemer, Michigan:
Please take notice that any qualified elector of the City of Bessemer who is not already registered may register to vote at the office of the Bessemer City Clerk or a Secretary of State branch office. Registration forms can be obtained at mi.gov/vote and mailed to the City Clerk. Voters who are already registered may update their registration at www.expressSOS.com.
The last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, July 20th, 2026.
After this date, anyone who qualifies as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.497) at the Bessemer City Clerk’s office, located at 411 S Sophie St., Bessemer, MI 49911 at the following times:
Notice is hereby given that a primary election will be held in the City of Bessemer on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bessemer City Hall, 411 S Sophie St., Bessemer, MI 49911.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Bessemer will be voting on Democratic or Republican nominees for Governor, US Senator, Representative in Congress 1st District, State Senator 38th District, and Representative in State Legislature 110th District, as well as proposed County millages.
Full text of the ballot may be obtained at the City of Bessemer Clerk’s office, 411 S Sophie St., Bessemer, MI 49911, telephone 906-663-4311 ext. 2. A sample ballot may be viewed at mi.gov/vote.
Absentee ballots are available for all elections; registered voters may contact the local clerk to obtain an application for an absent voter ballot.
Persons with disabilities needing accommodations should contact the clerk’s office at 906-663-4311 ext. 2.
Samantha Zakovec
City of Bessemer Clerk
This program is intended to provide funds for the rehabilitation and improvement of owner occupied, single family residential units within the City of Bessemer for homes owned by low to moderate income households that are at or below 80% area median income. Expenses per selected home are capped at $20,000. Below are the program guidelines and an application to submit to the City to apply. Paper copies can be picked up at City Hall. Questions about this program can be directed to the City Manager at mandy.lake@cityofbessemermi.gov or by calling City Hall at (906) 663-4311.
Access Application for the Program
2026 Summer Newsletter have been mailed to residents within the City of Bessemer. See the electronic version here!
Included in the newsletter are two surveys for residents:
The first is for the Master Plan. The Planning Commission is asking that the survey be completed to help shape how the Master Plan will be updated. Click here to complete the survey or scan the QR code below! No personal information is collected with the survey and it will be open until August 15th, 2026.
The second survey is for both City of Bessemer residents and Bessemer Township residents to hear feedback on the potential combination of fire departments into a shared fire authority. Reasoning behind the potential combination is that both departments have similar issues including very small budgets, continually increasing equipment costs, aging equipment, and a small number of volunteers. Click here to complete the survey or scan the QR code below! No personal information is collected with the survey.
Eligible households can recycle their 10+ year old refrigerator with Efficiency United and add an air purifier to the home.
Check out the links below for more information and to apply:
Energy Efficiency Assistance Program Application
If you need assistance, please contact Margaret Bailey at Margaret.bailey@clearesult.com or give her a call at (231) 838-8959.
What a great opportunity for area businesses. Check out the flyer to learn more and get signed up.
A regular meeting for the Michigan Western Gateway Trail Authority will be held on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, at 4:30 PM in the Council Chambers at Bessemer City Hall.
