As outlined in Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act, the primary goal of the CDBG program is "the development of viable communities, by providing decent housing and suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate incomes." In addition to the national program goals and objectives outlined by this Act, the State designs its CDBG program to do the following:

• to be flexible enough to address community priorities;
• to ensure neutrality and fairness in the treatment of all applications;
• to promote the proper maintenance of owner-occupied housing;
• to assist communities to preserve and develop, in a sustainable manner, basic infrastructure;
• to support economic development activities that principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons through job training and job creation.

All incorporated cities and all counties in the State, except those designated as HUD entitlement areas, are eligible to apply for and receive funds under this program.  Eligible activities include public facilities (such as water and sewer facilities, and community buildings), housing rehabilitation, economic development and job training. State administrative rules for the program contain a complete listing of eligible activities. At least 70 percent of CDBG funds allocated to local governments will be used for activities that principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons. For these purposes, low and moderate-income persons means they have incomes at or below 80 percent of the area median income defined by HUD annually in March.

For more information contact Rachelle Howe or Lori Brockway.