National Community Development Week is April 21 - 25. The week was created in 1986 by several national organizations to bring attention to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program through grassroots support.
Below we cover the importance of the program, local impact, and the need for increased program funding. Read some of the successes of the program below and consider contacting your local and state officials who can advocate for support of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program by highlighting the program's impact on the City and advocate for increased funding.
These are some of the highlights of the CDBG program operational fiscal year for 2024:
The Community Development Block Grant program has been one of the most important resources used by state and local governments to meet community development needs.
The CDBG program is administered by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with the intentions of funding a wide range of projects and activities principally for low and low-to-moderate income people.
Since 1994, the City of West Allis has administered the CDBG program, which as been one of the most important sources of annual, alternative, accessible funds in addition to the City's general budget.
Program Benefits
Program Administration Including Fair Housing
Overall program administration is not limited to salaries, wages, and costs related to program management, monitoring, and evaluation. In 2024, the City expended a total of $258,335 in administrative Fees.
Public Service
Funds a wide range of service activities including crime prevention, senior/health/youth and homeless assistance, employment and training, and substance and domestic abuse assistance. The City expended a total of $156,398 and assisted 754 low-moderate income households in 2024.
Housing
Provides rehabilitation loans at an interest rate of no more than 2% for single-family and multi-unit family dwellings. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the City expended over $239,870 including administration fees of the program.
Economic Development
Provides financial assistance to private for-profit businesses, technical assistance to micro-enterprises, and rehabilitation of commercial and industrial properties, eliminating slum and blight. Fiscal year 2024 expended $193,044 in these loans. For every $1 the City loans out for this program, it receives $6 back on every loan dollar approved as interest.
Public Facilities
Funding improves public spaces which can include but not limited to parks, streets, social service and community facilities, tree planting, and code enforcement. In 2024, the program expended a total of $173,903 with several projects underway.
Congressional Support for the CDBG Program
With current federal directives, the CDBG program will see significant diminished funding levels in 2025.
The 2025 CDBG entitlement including program income generated from housing rehabilitation and economic development loans may decrease by 50% - where annual entitlement for the City of West Allis averages 1.2 million dollars.
The City of West Allis is urging its residents to contact local and state officials who can advocate for support of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program by highlighting the program's impact on the City and advocate for increased funding.
Thank you for your time!