The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program
was created by Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development
Act of 1974, and continues to the present time under various amendments.
It consolidated ten categorical housing and urban development
programs such as Model Cities and Urban Renewal into one flexible
grant. Block Grants provide federal funding for neighborhood improvement
projects that are locally initiated.
GOALS:
The primary objective of the Block Grant program
is to develop viable urban communities through decent housing,
suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities.
Every project must meet one of three certifying conditions:
Eliminates and prevents blight and property deterioration
Serves an urgent need
ENTITLEMENT:
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) determines the amount of federal funds which cities and
counties are entitled to receive each year. The formula is based
upon population, growth lag, poverty level, age of housing and
overcrowding. The program year runs from April through March.
THE APPLICATION:
The Department of Community Development is responsible
for developing Cleveland's application for Block Grant funds.
The CDBG program is part of the Consolidated Planning Process
which also includes the Federal HOME Program. Emergency Shelter
Grants and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS. To qualify
for these federal funds, the City must have an approved mufti-year
strategic plan for housing and community development. An Action
Plan must be submitted to HUD annually with budgets and detailed
information about activities to be undertaken in the upcoming
program year.
The Department develops the consolidated budget
by working in conjunction with other City departments. City Council
and the public. Prospective third-party agencies, neighborhood
organizations and individual citizens are invited to provide input
and submit funding proposals.
BLOCK GRANT ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES:
Housing
Now Construction
Mortgage Assistance
Fair Housing
Code Enforcement
Rehabilitation Assistance
Paint Refund
Weatherization
Board-Up/Demolition
Land Use
Vacant Lot Cleanup
Landbanking/Land Reutilization
Urban Gardening
Economic Development
Technical Assistance to CDC's
Small Business Loans
Storefront Renovation/Design Assistance
Signage
Streetscapes
Site Improvements
Off-Street Parking
Public Improvements
Playground, Pool Rehabilitation
Street Reconstruction
Sidewalk and Curb Replacement
Street Lights
Catch Basins
Trees and Tree Lawns
Public Services
Safety and Crime Prevention
Health
Meals
Shelter
Elderly Services
Youth Services
Education and Tutoring
Job Training and Placement
Day Care
Transportation
The public is welcome to participate in every phase
of the process to develop the application for federal funds. The
next section outlines opportunities for involvement. After the
public's input has been incorporated, the proposed application
is submitted to Cleveland City Council for review prior to approval.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION:
For the Block Grant program to have a meaningful
impact, it is essential that neighborhood residents become involved
in planning, implementing and evaluating activities. Through the
Division of Neighborhood Development of the Department of Community
Development. The following methods of participation are provided
to the public:
Meetings are conducted during the planning
stage of the application to solicit information regarding
neighborhood needs and suggestions for projects to address
those needs. The planning sessions may be citywide, held in
a central location such as the downtown area, or regional
meetings conducted within each of the eight planning regions.
Persons who are unable to attend a planning
session are encouraged to write or telephone the Community
Development Department to offer suggestions for improvement
projects.
A summary of the proposed application is published
in the daily newspaper at the time of submission to Cleveland
City Council. The final version is published at the time of
submission to HUD. The entire application is available for
viewing at all times within the department in room 320 of
City Hall and the Public Administration Library on the main
floor.
A public notice is published annually to invite
the public to review the Grantee Performance Report (GPR)
that the City is required to submit to HUD each year. It provided
financial information and other data that enables the public
to evaluate the progress of Block Grant-funded activities.
Copies of the GPR are available for viewing year-round in
City Hall and various depositories.
Notification of planning sessions and public hearings is accomplished
through full use of radio, television, newspaper and newsletters.
An extensive mailing list of organizations and individuals is
utilized to notify the public of opportunities to participate
in the Block Grant process.
BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:
Who:
Income guidelines for the Community
Development Block Grant Program are established by the U.S.
Department of Housing & Urban Development. HUD defines low
and moderate income as 80% of the median in a Primary Metropolitan
Statistical Area (PMSA).
Where:
Families and individuals meeting income
guidelines quality for CDBG-funded programs regardless of where
they live in Cleveland. However, the federal moneys are concentrated
in the low and moderate. The boundaries, are based on census
tracts and data from the 1990 census.
What:
The basic categories are housing, land
use, economic development, public improvements and public services.
A breakdown of programs within these categories appears in the
chart on eligible activities.
To become involve in the Community Development Block
Grant Program call the Citizen Participation Hotline:
216.664.2869
Fax:
216.664.4006
TDD for the deaf:
216.664.2900
