Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. Authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Planning and Development Act of 1974, the CDBG program is one of the longest continuously running programs at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The CDBG program provides annual grants on a formula basis to over 1180 general units of local government in the United States.

Grant funds can be used to revitalize neighborhoods, expand affordable housing and economic opportunities, and improve community facilities and services. Funding allocated to the City of Chesapeake is used to meet priority community needs identified in the Consolidated Plan.

All activities carried out with CDBG funding must meet one of these National Objectives:

• Benefit low and moderate income persons;
• Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight;
• Meet community development needs having a particular urgency (i.e., respond to a hurricane tornado or similar disaster.

CDBG funds may be used for activities that include:

• Acquisition of real property consistent with the Annual Plan
• Public facilities and improvements
• Public services (such as child care, health services, job training, counseling, etc.)
• Relocation
• Housing services
• Homeownership assistance
• Housing rehabilitation
• Historic preservation
• Lead-based paint evaluation and reduction
• Economic development activities
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Energy conservation projects

The general rule is that any activity that is not authorized on the above list or in the regulations is not eligible to be assisted with CDBG funds.