Moline details $1.2M Tri‑Cities housing lottery to fund critical home repairs

Moline staff on Tuesday outlined a $1.2 million Tri‑Cities housing rehabilitation program that will use a public lottery to distribute forgivable loans for critical repairs and accessibility work to eligible single‑family homeowners in East Moline, Moline and Silvis.

KJ and other staff said the combined grants include two different income tiers (one at roughly 80% AMI and one reaching up to 150% AMI) and that awards will vary by need; "individuals can receive anywhere from $3,000 to $60,000," the staff presentation said. The funding is intended for health‑and‑safety work — roofs, gutters, siding, windows, major mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and accessibility modifications such as portable ramps and grab bars.

To promote transparency, the city will use an online sign‑up window (9 a.m.–5 p.m. on the designated Monday) and draw 25 numbers at random at the council meeting the following Thursday. Staff said residents without internet access can come to City Hall between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and staff will enter their information; the city will not accept phone‑in entries. KJ said the awards will be forgivable loans with a 3‑ or 5‑year recapture period measured from construction completion and permit/inspection sign‑offs.

Staff also clarified eligibility: the program covers single‑family homes (including condominiums on permanent foundations) and does not include rental properties in this round. The city's outreach plan includes a public meeting to explain the lottery and to answer questions ahead of sign‑ups.

The council did not vote on the program at the meeting; staff asked the council to publicize the sign‑up period and public meeting for residents who want more information.