The full meaning of CDBg is Community Development Block Grant Program.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a flexible program that provides annual grants to states, cities, and counties. These grants are used to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and suitable living environments, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. The CDBG program is one of the longest-running programs of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Key Aspects of the CDBG Program:
- Purpose: To improve communities, primarily benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.
- Funding: Provides annual grants to states, cities, and counties.
- Flexibility: Grant recipients have considerable leeway in determining how to use CDBG funds to address local needs.
- Eligible Activities: A wide range of activities are eligible for CDBG funding, including:
- Housing rehabilitation
- Public services
- Infrastructure improvements (e.g., streets, water, sewer)
- Economic development activities
- Planning and administration
Goals of the CDBG Program
The CDBG program aims to achieve the following:
- Provide decent housing: This involves activities such as housing rehabilitation, new housing construction (in limited circumstances), and assistance to renters.
- Create suitable living environments: This can include improving public facilities, providing public services, and addressing issues such as crime and blight.
- Expand economic opportunities: This involves activities such as job training, business assistance, and commercial revitalization.
Who Benefits from the CDBG Program?
The primary beneficiaries of the CDBG program are low- and moderate-income individuals and families. However, the program can also benefit the broader community by improving infrastructure, creating jobs, and promoting economic development.
Example of a CDBG Project:
A city might use CDBG funds to rehabilitate dilapidated housing in a low-income neighborhood. This could involve repairing roofs, fixing plumbing, and making other necessary improvements to ensure that residents have safe and sanitary living conditions. Another city might utilize CDBG to fund a job training program targeted toward unemployed residents.
