COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a flexible federal program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. Beginning in 1974, the CDBG program is one of the longest continuously run programs at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) The CDBG program provides annual grants on a formula basis to 1209 general units of local government and States.  In East Hartford, the CDBG Program is administered by the Town's Grants Administration Office.

The CDBG Program does not make grants to individual citizens.  Rather, CDBG works with Town officials and nonprofits to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses. CDBG is an important tool for helping local governments tackle serious challenges facing their communities. The CDBG program has made a difference in the lives of millions of people and their communities across the Nation.

Local governments receiving CDBG funds must submit two annual performance and evaluation reports. First, an Annual Action Plan for the upcoming fiscal year that also serves as an application for funds is due to HUD in mid-May. This plan includes the area's expected funding resources and stated community development goals and provides information about planned projects including their geographic distribution and the activity categories and development objectives they fall under. The creation of the Action Plans includes community outreach, public meetings, and the solicitation of Requests for Proposals from city government departments and local nonprofits of activities that could be funded. Additionally, every five years the Annual Action Plan is submitted alongside a Consolidated Plan that outlines the area's long-term community development needs, priorities, and strategic plan.

Second, a Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) covering the previous fiscal year is submitted to HUD at the end of September to ensure the cities are meeting objectives. The CAPER includes a description of the progress made in accomplishing the objectives of the CDBG, and a summary of the use of such funds during the preceding fiscal year.