FAQs
WHAT IS CDBG?
In 1974, the U.S. Congress introduced the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program as part of the Housing and Community Development Act. CDBG is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Although the Act has been amended in recent years, the primary objective continues to be developing viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
The Housing Division of Milwaukee County administers this funding on behalf of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the County Executive. Over 16 small municipalities participated in the Milwaukee County CDBG program.
The Housing Division works closely with diverse communities and elected representatives to assess local needs and identify funding priorities. The Housing Division then contracts with local agencies and organizations to provide the needed services, such as youth recreation programs at neighborhood parks and minor home repair programs that ensure safe, secure housing for low-income and elderly residents.
The CDBG Program has three primary objectives:
- Benefit those with low- and moderate-incomes;
- Aid in preventing neighborhood deterioration; and
- Meet other urgent community development needs due to natural disasters or other emergencies.
WHERE DOES CDBG FUNDING GO?
CDBG awards funds to various service providers throughout the County for a wide variety of programs, services and facilities improvements. This means funding for a broad array of community needs, including but not limited to:
- Clearing trash and cleaning up property sites;
- Graffiti removal;
- Street and sewer improvements;
- Major and minor home repairs;
- Homeless, drug intervention and domestic violence programs;
- Business loans;
- Community and senior services;
- Basic health services;
- Youth programs; and
- Parenting programs and child care.
Through annual public meetings, communities prioritize their needs. The Housing Division then provides input to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors and the County Executive for funding consideration. Participating municipalites involve their own citizens in determining community development needs and funding priorities each year.
Federal laws that provide CDBG funding to the County also regulate how the money is spent. These laws only allow the Housing Divsion to spend 15% of CDBG funding on community services, such as senior meal programs, family violence intervention services or youth recreation programs. This leaves most of the funding for activities that support the creation and maintenance of affordable housing and public facility and infrastructure improvements. For example, CDBG funds are used for constructing community centers, modifying public spaces to make them accessible to the handicapped, street improvements, or rehabilitation of existing park facilities.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR CDBG FUNDING?
CDBG funding is targeted to benefit low- and moderate-income residents who earn 80% of the Milwaukee County median family income. The Housing Division grants funding to Community-Based Organizations and County Departments to provide specific activities to eligible residents. Municipalities with populations under 50,000 can also participate with the County in receiving CDBG Program funds; 16 municipalities currently work jointly with the County to implement local CDBG funded programs, which serve the needs of their residents. Organizations interested in providing services in any of our participating cities, please contact those municipaliites directly with questions regarding their programs.
HOW TO APPLY FOR CDBG FUNDING?
The open application period is to screen for eligibility non-profit agencies that do not currently receive CDBG funds from Milwaukee County. The period to apply is mid-July through mid-August. Applications are not taken after the August deadline for applications. To receive an applidation during the open application period please contact the CDBG Program Coordinator at (414) 278 - 4780.
CDBG funding supports eligible activities that benefit low- and moderate-income individuals and families or remove slum and blighted conditions within the 16 municipalities that participate in the Milwaukee County CDBG program.
WHO ARE OUR PARTNERS?
The Housing Division works with various types of agencies who comprise the service delivery network for CDBG funded activities in participating municipalities. Our participating cities share approximately 50% of the Urban County’s annual allocation to fund their own community and economic development activities. Participating cities keep local control by designing and operating CDBG projects based on local needs.
Click here to view the One-Year Action Plan that identifies all activities these agencies have funded in the current year.