Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funding is a federal program that is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which provides communities with financial resources to address a range of community development needs for income-qualified areas and/or households. The City CDBG Program is in effect year-round, with funding becoming available on July 1st of each year. Applications for grants are mailed out by request prior to the start of the program. Once eligibility is confirmed, a list of recipients is compiled. Applications are accepted throughout the year; however, funding may be limited. For more information or to apply for a grant, stop by the Community Preservation Division during business hours or call 714-961-7148.

Funding

CDBG program funds are allocated to eligible communities on an annual basis to assist communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and opportunities to expand economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons. Low- and moderate-income persons are defined by HUD as persons with an annual household income equal to or less than 80% of the county’s median income. This standard is adjusted for family size and updated annually.

HUD awards grants to communities or grantees to carry out a wide range of activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services. Grantee communities must develop their own programs and funding priorities; however, grantees must give maximum feasible priority to activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

Types of Activities

CDBG funds may be used for activities in qualified areas which include, but are not limited to:

  • Rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures
  • Construction of public facilities
  • Public improvements such as water and sewer facilities, streets, and neighborhood centers
  • Social services within certain limits
  • Compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA)