CDBG is 50!

THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT IS 50!

Celebrating the Impact of the Community Development Block Grant & HOME Investment Partnership Programs! 

National Community Development Week was created in 1986 to bring national attention to the CDBG Program through grassroots support at a time when the program was facing scrutiny by Congress. Grassroots support means activities by state and local CDBG grantees to recognize the program, showcase projects, and share program impact data with Congress. It provides the opportunity for communities to promote, educate, and advocate on behalf of the program. It is intentionally held during the Congressional appropriations season to allow for a concerted grassroots effort to promote the program. It is important for all communities that receive CDBG funds to participate in National Community Development Week to amplify the grassroots voice.

Our own Grants Management Division receives and manages over $10 million annually in federal and state grant funding. These funds support affordable housing, community development, and social service needs with the aim of increasing the number of affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income Urbana residents, and improving the overall quality of life in the community. Funds administered by the Division support a variety of local service providers in the community, including; Cunningham Township, Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center, C-U at Home, First Followers, Habitat for Humanity, and Champaign County Regional Planning Commission.

Federal funding comes primarily from two U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant programs: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME). Since 2020, the Division has received $2,665,419 in CDBG funding, and $6,184,109 in HOME funding. This includes a total of $3,600,588 for COVID-19 relief and response between the two programs. These funds have impacted low- to moderate- impact Urbana residents. 

Thank you to our Grants Management Division for all the work that helps our residents! We celebrate YOU! 

Seen Above: Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin read a proclamation at the April 1, 2024 City Council Meeting of the Whole declaring this week as National Community Development Week, celebrating 50 years of the Community Development Block Grant (CBDG). Seen here, from the left, are Breaden Belcher, Grants Division Manager - Community Development Services; Kim Smith, Director of Community Development Services; Mayor Marlin; and Nick Olsen, Community Development Coordinator.