The CDBG Entitlement Program provides annual grants to entitled cities and counties so they can improve urban communities with suitable living environments and expanded economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. HUD awards these grants for a variety of community development activities.
Communities may develop their own programs and priorities, but they must give priority to activities that benefit low to moderate income persons, aid in the prevention of slums, or eliminate conditions that pose a serious threat to community health or welfare.
Eligible grantees include
- Principal cities of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) see definitions on the US Census page
- Other metropolitan cities with populations of at least 50,000
- Qualified urban counties with populations of at least 200,000 (excluding the population of entitled cities)
Eligible activities include
- Acquisition of real property
- Relocation and demolition
- Rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures
- Construction of public facilities and improvements
- Public services, within certain limits
- Activities relating to energy conservation and renewable energy resources
- Assistance to businesses for economic development and job creation/retention
HUD doesn’t provide CDBG assistance directly to individuals, businesses, nonprofit or organizations or other non-governmental entities. They have created a webpage Explore CDBD with a collection of technical assistance to help communities discover how to meet requirements. To learn how the process works, interested parties should contact their local municipal or county officials to find out how the program operates in their area. For contact info, check here to discover who administers the CDBG program in your area, or reach out your local HUD field office here.
