Since 1974, Palm Beach County has used the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low and moderate income persons. Palm Beach County's Department of Housing and Economic Development, in coordination with municipalities, non-profit agencies, and other service providers, have devised innovative approaches that have resulted in a wide range of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services.
Some examples of CDBG-funded activities are the provision of public services to disabled persons, children, elderly persons, and the homeless; the implementation of capital improvement projects to help alleviate flooding in low-lying areas, provide potable water, sidewalks, and recreation facilities to lower income neighborhoods; and the provision of economic development assistance. CDBG funds have also been instrumental in implementing the Single Family Rehabilitation Program, operated by the Department of Housing and Economic Development's Capital Improvement, Real Estate and Inspection Services Section, to rehabilitate eligible single family owner occupied homes.
While the CDBG Programs' principal intent is to benefit low and moderate income persons, activities which aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight, and activities having a community development urgency may also be carried out. Urgent activities, such as those created by hurricanes, must certify that existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community.
CDBG Entitlement Funds are allocated on a formula basis annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
IF YOU NEED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL
561-233-3600 OR EMAIL YOUR REQUEST TO: hedcomments1@pbcgov.org
For more information, please write to Mr. Jonathan B. Brown, Director, at HED, 100 Australian Avenue, Suite 500, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.