Additional contacts for Technical Assistance

Overview:

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is authorized under Title l of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (HCDA), as amended. The primary objective of the CDBG Program is to develop viable communities by providing the following, principally to person of low and moderate income:

• Decent housing;
• A suitable living environment; and
• Expanded economic opportunities.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the CDBG Program. The regulations created by the Office of the Assistance Secretary of Community Planning and Development that pertain to Community Development Block Grants are contained within 24 CFR Part 570.

Since States are in the best position to know and respond to the needs of local governments, Congress amended the HCDA in 1981 to give each state the opportunity to administer CDBG funds for non-entitlement areas. Non-entitlement areas include those units of general local government that do not receive CDBG funds directly from HUD as part of the entitlement program. Non-entitlement areas are cities with populations of less than 50,000, and counties with populations of less than 200,000.

HUD distributes funds to each state based on a statutory formula that takes into account population, poverty, incidence of overcrowded housing, and age of housing. Neither HUD nor states distribute funds directly to citizens.

All activities must meet one of the following national objectives for the program:

• Benefit low and moderate-income persons
• Prevent or eliminate slums or blight
• Fulfill community development needs that have a particular urgency because existing condition pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community

The State CDBG Program has replaced the Small Cities Program in states that have elected to participate. Currently, 49 states and Puerto Rico participate in the program. States participating in the CDBG Program award grants only to units of general local government that that carry out development activities. Annually each state develops funding priorities and criteria for selecting projects. HUD’s role under the State CDBG Program is to ensure a state’s compliance with federal laws, regulations and policies.

Participating States have three major responsibilities:

• Formulate community development objectives;
• Decide how to distribute funds among communities in non-entitlement areas; and
• Ensure that recipient communities comply with applicable state and federal laws and requirements.

Local governments have the responsibility to consider local needs, prepare grant applications for submission to the State, and carry out the funded community development activities. Local governments must comply with state and federal requirements.

CDBG in Colorado

The State of Colorado elected to administer the CDBG Program in non-entitlement areas beginning in 1983. The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) administers the program for the State. Divisions under DOLA include the Division of Housing and the Division of Local Government each of who have primary responsibility in carrying out CDBG activities. The Division of Housing (DOH) is responsible for housing and homeless assistance activities and the Division of Local Government is responsible for community development, public facilities and economic development activities, as well as overall coordination of the CDBG Program. Each Division has different application and funding cycles.

Typical Activities Funded With CDBG

Acquisition Demolition
Rehabilitation Reconstruction
New Construction Public Facility Improvements
Home-buyer Assistance Housing Services
Homeless Services Economic Development
Studies/Planning Senior Services
Design Costs Relocation
Energy Conservation Slum/Blight

Program Contacts

For Division of Housing information click here

For Economic Development information click here

Fair Housing Resources