Community Development Block Grant

The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) was developed as a result of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.  The primary objective of the Community Development Block Grant Program is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities for people of low and moderate income.  All activities carried out under the Community Development Block Grant program must meet one of the three national objectives:

1.            Benefiting low and moderate income persons.  (See FY 2007 Median Family Income For Genesee County and the Low and Moderate Income Map based on the 2000 census.)

            2.            Aiding in the elimination or prevention of slum and blight

            3.            Addressing an urgent community need

Genesee County receives an annual allocation of CDBG funds to carry out several different community development activities directed at neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and the improvement of community facilities.  Genesee County acts as the administrator of these funds and is responsible for their proper use and tracking.  The County ensures that funds are utilized for projects that are in compliance with the rules and regulations of this program set by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Following the award of the funding to Genesee County, funds are then allocated to the local units of government, with each of the participating units receiving funding once every three years.  (See Funding Distribution Map)  Distribution of the funds is done on a formula basis using population, poverty, and overcrowded housing as its variables.  The local unit of government then proposes projects for program consideration.  Some of the funds are retained by the County to operate the county-wide housing rehabilitation program and for administrative purposes.

Public participation is a strong part of this program.  The local units of government are required to hold public hearings to gain public comment on the expenditure of the CDBG funds.  There is also the opportunity for the public to comment on the chosen projects prior to being sent to HUD to request funding.  Local units have used CDBG funds for a variety of activities such as street and sidewalk improvements, installation of water and sewer lines, barrier free improvements, senior citizen programs and facilities, youth employment, crime prevention, historic preservation, and park improvements.