Community Development Block Grant

Definition

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is a federal program that provides funding to state and local governments to support a wide range of community development activities, with the goal of improving the living conditions and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals. The CDBG program is an important part of the intergovernmental relationships between the federal government, state governments, and local governments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CDBG program was established in 1974 as part of the Housing and Community Development Act, consolidating several previous federal grant programs into a single, more flexible funding source.
2. CDBG funds can be used for a variety of community development activities, including housing rehabilitation, infrastructure improvements, public services, and economic development initiatives.
3. The CDBG program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which allocates funds to state and local governments based on a formula that considers factors such as population, poverty, and housing conditions.
4. CDBG funding is intended to benefit low- and moderate-income individuals, with at least 70% of the funds required to be used for activities that primarily serve this target population.
5. The CDBG program is an important tool for state and local governments to address community needs and promote economic development, particularly in underserved or disadvantaged areas.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program supports intergovernmental relationships.
  • The CDBG program is an important part of the intergovernmental relationships between the federal government, state governments, and local governments. The federal government provides CDBG funding to state and local governments, who then have the flexibility to use these funds to address community development needs in their respective jurisdictions. This collaboration and coordination between different levels of government is crucial for effectively addressing community needs and promoting economic development, particularly in low- and moderate-income areas.
• Describe the key features of the CDBG program and how it aims to improve living conditions and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals.
  • The CDBG program provides funding to state and local governments to support a wide range of community development activities, such as housing rehabilitation, infrastructure improvements, public services, and economic development initiatives. The primary goal of the CDBG program is to benefit low- and moderate-income individuals, with at least 70% of the funds required to be used for activities that primarily serve this target population. By supporting these community development efforts, the CDBG program aims to improve the living conditions and economic opportunities for individuals and families with limited financial resources, helping to address disparities and promote more inclusive and equitable communities.
• Analyze the role of the CDBG program in the broader context of intergovernmental relationships and community development policies.
  • The CDBG program is a critical component of the intergovernmental relationships between the federal government, state governments, and local governments. It represents a collaborative approach to community development, where the federal government provides funding and guidance, while state and local governments have the flexibility to tailor the use of these funds to address the specific needs of their communities. This intergovernmental cooperation is essential for effectively addressing complex community development challenges, such as affordable housing, infrastructure deficiencies, and economic disparities. By targeting low- and moderate-income individuals, the CDBG program also aligns with broader community development policies aimed at promoting social and economic inclusion, reducing poverty, and improving overall quality of life. The program's impact extends beyond just the provision of funding, as it fosters ongoing dialogue and coordination between different levels of government, ultimately strengthening the overall system of intergovernmental relationships.

Related terms

Intergovernmental Relationships: The interactions and interdependencies between different levels of government, such as federal, state, and local, in the policymaking and implementation process.

Community Development: The process of improving the physical, economic, and social conditions of a community, often with a focus on underserved or disadvantaged areas.

Low- and Moderate-Income Individuals: Individuals or households with incomes below a certain threshold, as defined by the federal government, who are the primary target of CDBG funding.