CDBG Overview

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is the primary source of funding used to provide decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. The CDBG program is authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-383, as amended 42 U.S.C. -530.1 et seq.

CDBG funds may be used for activities which include, but are not limited to:

• Acquisition of real property
• Relocation and demolition
• Rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures
• Construction of public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities, streets, neighborhood centers, and the conversion of school buildings for eligible purposes
• Public services, within limits
• Activities relating to energy conservation and renewable energy resources
• Provision of assistance to nonprofit and profit-motivated businesses to carry out economic development and job creation/retention activities

Each activity must meet one of the following national objectives for the program:

• Benefit low- and moderate-income persons.
• prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or
• Address community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community for which other funding is not available.