Community Development Block Grant

What is a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)?

CDBG is a federal grant program through Housing and Urban Development (HUD) providing grant funds for a variety of projects and programs that serve low and moderate income residents or eliminate slum and blight.

HUD's CDBG web page offers a wealth of information about the program.

CDBG can be used for a wide range of activities including:

• Acquisition of real property
• Public facilities
• Public infrastructure
• Social services (up to 15% of the CDBG budget)
• Housing rehabilitation (owner-occupied or rental)
• Home-ownership assistance
• Commercial or industrial rehabilitation
• Historic preservation
• Removal of barriers for disable people
• Economic development (e.g. business loans)
• Activities of Communit Based Organizations (CBDOs)
• Program administration, planning and capacity building (up to 20% of the budget)

CDBG cannot be used for the general conduct of city government, political or religious activities, fund raising, cash payments to individuals, or construction of new housing (except by CBDOs).

How do these grants make a difference in Asheville?

The CDBG program in Asheville serves the city of Asheville only. Every CDBG-funded activity must be located within the city limits and must either benefit low/moderate income persons or elminate slum and blight. The City receives about $1.5 million each year. Much of this is sub-granted to non-profit agencies. The Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan guide the mission of the CDBG program in Asheville.

Federal Compliance Requirements

Activities using CDBG funds must meet a number of federal standards. HUD has produced a toolkit as a resource tool that will allow grantees to find information on financial managment, environmental review, labor standards, acquisition, relocation and fair housing.

Specific information about each federal requirement can be found by clicking on each link provided below:

• Environmental Review
• Labor Standards (Davis Bacon)
• Equal Opportunity - Minority and Women Business Enterprises and Section 3
• Accessibility for Disabled People
• Record-keeping and Reporting
• Acquisition and Relocation Regulations
• Lead-Based Paint Elimination
• Income Verification and Documentation
  • Financial Assistance or Housing Client
  • Public Service Client
    • Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
    • Purchasing Standards

Current (FY 2010-2011) CDBG Grant Recipients

How does my agency apply for CDBG?

FY 11-12 Applications - The CDBG funding application guidelines and application forms will be available by December 8.

The application deadline is February 4, 2011.

An application workshop will be held on December 8, 2010 at 9 a.m. on the 6th floor of City Hall in the Human Resources Training Room. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to attend.

Contact Information

Angie Cullen, Community Development Analyst
acullen@ashevillenc.gov
828-232-4503