Community Development Block Grant Program

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal funded program that provides funding for housing and community development. Nassau County OCD receives a direct allocation of funds from HUD annually.In 1974, the federal government enacted the Federal Housing and Community Development Act.Title I of the Act combined several funding programs into a single program called "Community Development Block Grant" (CDBG).Congress designed the CDBG program to enhance and maintain the viability of urban communities.The CDBG program accomplishes these goals by providing decent housing, suitable living environments and expanded economic opportunities; principally for low-and-moderate-income persons.The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development administers the CDBG program through state and local governments.

Approximately 80% of the County's CDBG funds are distributed to participating local municipalities to undertake programs based on local community needs.Projects include, but are not limited to, large scale neighborhood revitalization projects, infrastructure improvements, parks and playground enhancements, code enforcement, public service initiatives, and providing accessibility for the physically challenged.Grant funds are also allocated to rehabilitate eligible homes including but not limited to physically challenged and senior citizen households making them accessible, energy efficient, and lead paint safe.CDBG funds are also used to support economic development initiatives including Brownfield revitalization, the Empire Zone program, the Grow Nassau SBA 7A loan program, and micro enterprise loan programs.Furthermore, CDBG funds are used to support anti-poverty and housing initiatives providing much needed service dollars to nonprofit organizations.

Communities receiving CDBG dollars are encouraged to develop their own programs and funding priorities based on local community development needs.However, these communities must promote the national CDBG objectives by giving the highest funding priority to activities which benefit low/mod income persons, or which aid in the elimination and prevention of slums and blight.Under certain circumstances, CDBG funds may be used as needed to address an immediate threat to public health and safety.CDBG activities must adhere to federal eligibility requirements to ensure consistency with the national objectives and outcomes which are: creating suitable living environments; providing decent affordable housing; creating economic opportunities; availability/accessibility; affordability; and sustainability.