The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program grew out of eight programs:
- Open Space
- Urban Renewal
- Neighborhood Development Program grants
- Historic Preservation grants
- Model Cities supplemental grants
- Public Facilities loans
- Neighborhood Facilities grants
- Water and Sewer grants
Eligible activities under the CDBG program include the following:
- Acquisition of real property
- Disposition of real property
- Public facilities and improvements
- Clearance, demolition of property
- Public services
- Loss of rental income
- Housing services
- Housing rehabilitation
- Code enforcement
- Historic preservation
- Special economic development
- Planning
- Fair housing
While all of these activities are eligible based on the HUD CDBG regulations, only the activities ranked high or medium in the city's Consolidated Plan will be funded through the city's CDBG program. However, the city may write letters of support on behalf of agencies seeking funding from other sources for activities determined to have a low ranking.
In addition to being eligible, proposed activities must meet at least one national CDBG program objective:
- Benefit low and moderate-income people;
- Eliminate or prevent slums or blight;
- Address urgent needs posing a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community.
Funds are awarded to non-profit organizations on a competitive basis. An application must be completed and submitted to the Mayor's Office of Economic and Community Development.
CDBG FUNDING CYCLE
The City's CDBG program operates on the fiscal year, with new funding becoming available every July 1. During each program year, MOECD holds at least 2 to 3 public hearings to receive input from citizens and non-profit organizations regarding its program and policies. Applications are due in early February for funds to be disbursed after July 1 of the same year. Amendments to the Block Grant budget are advertised in the local newspapers for 30 days prior to funding availability in order to receive citizen input. All recipients of the Block Grant program are required to sign an agreement with the City at the beginning of the funding cycle.
Five-Year Consolidated Plan
The Five-Year Consolidated Plan is a strategic document to implement Federal programs for housing, and community & economic development activities within the City of Charleston. The Consolidated Plan is a requirement of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership (HOME) programs.
The city is working to finalize its proposed 2021-2024 Consolidation Plan