The City is expecting to receive nearly $489,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, as part of its annual CDBG allocation from HUD, and more than $132,000 in funds from the recent Economic Stimulus Bill.
CDBG, one of the longest-running programs of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, funds local community development activities such as affordable housing, anti-poverty programs and infrastructure development. The City is required to prepare an Annual Action Plan that details its proposed CDBG Program for the coming fiscal year. The scope of eligible activities established by HUD ranges from public improvements to housing rehabilitation and social service programs.
The program’s primary objective is the development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities mainly for individuals of low and moderate income. The City, which has been proactive in applying for a piece of the economic stimulus pie, is also expecting to receive an additional $132,793 from the Economic Stimulus Bill. Those funds would go toward capital infrastructure projects, housing rehabilitation or public service needs in town, depending on HUD’s final approval of funding guidelines.
Recommendations from the City’s Community Services Commission and Planning and Transportation Commission, which reviewed the CDBG applications, will be forwarded to the City Council. The council will consider the proposed applications on April 20.
