Community Development Block Grant Program

Overview

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.  The Entitlement Program is the portion of the CDBG Program that provides categorical block grant funds to metropolitan cities and urban counties.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards CDBG grants to entitlement communities to carry out affordable housing and community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services.  Snohomish County, in partnership with 18 cities and towns within the County through an interlocal agreement, receives CDBG funds on an entitlement basis as an Urban County Consortium.  The County administers this funding on behalf of the Consortium through the Office of Housing, Homelessness and Community Development (OHHCD).

The primary objective of the CDBG program is the development of viable urban communities.  Viable communities are achieved by providing the following, principally for low and moderate income persons and families:

• Decent housing
• A suitable living environment
• Expanded economic opportunities

Eligible Activities:

CDBG funds can be used for a wide variety of projects, services, facilities and infrastructure:

• Activities related to real property: Acquisition, disposition, public facilities and infrastructure, clearance and demolition, rehabilitation, street and sewer improvements, homeownership assistance and housing for the homeless.
• Rehabilitation Activities: Acquisition for rehabilitation, energy improvements, removal of material and architectural barriers, code enforcement, historic preservation, lead based paint testing and abatement.
• Public Services: services for the homeless, drug intervention and domestic violence programs, basic health services, youth programs, child care, crime prevention and fair housing counseling.

Each eligible activity must meet one of three National Objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meet a need having a particular urgency such as earthquakes or flood disasters

Ineligible Activities:

Generally, the following activities are ineligible:

• Acquisition, construction or reconstruction of buildings for the general conduct of government
• Political activities
• Certain income payments
• Construction of new housing by units of general local government
• Purchase of equipment, furnishings and personal property
• Operating and maintenance expenses for public facilities
• Maintenance of publicly owned streets, parks, playgrounds and water/sewer facilities, etc.
• Staff salaries for operation of public works and facilities

Consolidated Plan:

Entitlement communities develop their own programs and funding priorities which are reflected in their Consolidated Plan.  The consolidated plan is prepared by the grantee in accordance with 24 CFR Part 91, which describes needs, resources, priorities and proposed activities to be undertaken with respect to HUD programs including CDBG. The plan is prepared for a five-year period, along with an annual Action Plan. All projects funded by the CDBG must be consistent with the Consolidated Plan priorities and objectives.

CDBG Programs:

• Public Facilities and Infrastructure
• Public Services
• Float Loans