The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program was created in 1974 by combining a number of existing grant programs such as Open Space, Model Cities and Urban Renewal. Manatee County administers the CDBG program. HUD allocates funds to the County on an annual basis to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
HUD determines the amount of each grant by using a formula comprised of several measures of community need, including the extent of poverty, population, housing overcrowding, age of housing, and population growth lag in relationship to other metropolitan areas.
CDBG funds are used to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services. CDBG is an important tool for helping local governments tackle serious challenges facing their communities. The CDBG program has made a diļ¬erence in the lives of millions of people and their communities across the nation.
CDBG funds may be used for activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons which include, but are not limited to:
- rehabilitation of non-profit facilities used for eligible purposes;
- construction or rehabilitation of public facilities and improvements, such as park improvements, sidewalks, streets, neighborhood centers, and the conversion of buildings for eligible purposes;
- public services, within certain limits; and
- provision of assistance to profit-motivated businesses to carry out economic development and job creation/retention activities.
Every year, Manatee County accepts applications from community organizations for projects that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Applications from organizations requesting CDBG funds are generally due in March/April of each year. The Annual Action Plan identifies the activities funded in each year and can be found under CDBG Reports and Plans.