Community Development Block Grant Program

The City of Medford has received Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) since 1989 and this program is administered by the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Division.  CDBG funding is used to benefit low- and moderate-income persons by addressing affordable housing, infrastructure and public services.  

Community development activities funded through the program address the priority needs, goals, objectives and strategies identified in the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development. The overall goal of the Consolidated Planning Process is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities principally for low and moderate-income persons.

To qualify for CDBG funding, a project or activity must meet a National Objective (outlined in 24 CFR 570.208):

• Benefit low- to moderate-income (LMI) persons (most commonly used)
  • earn less than 80% of area median income
• Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meet a need having a particular urgency (referred to as urgent need and defined by HUD)

Eligible activities include:

• Acquisition of real property
• Public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities, streets, neighborhood centers, and the conversion of buildings for eligible purposes
• Rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures 
• Public services (within certain limits)
• Relocation and demolition

Ineligible activities:

• Acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of buildings for the general conduct of government
• Certain income payments
• Construction of new housing
• Political Activities

Prior to award of CDBG funds, HCD develops a Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFP lists priority needs and goals outlined in the Consolidated Plan. Successful applicants must demonstrate how their project/activity aligns with the intent and purpose of the Consolidated Plan and the specific Annual Action Plan priorities set for each Program Year.

HCD reviews CDBG applications to ensure national objective criteria are met and determine whether the project/activity is eligible.  HUD provides a list of potentially eligible activities in 24 CFR 570.201. The City establishes the local priorities through consolidated planning, therefore, not everything allowed by HUD will be included in the City’s CDBG RFP.

After HCD review, the Housing and Community Development Commission evaluates applications for funding and makes recommendations to City Council for approval.  Activities that are approved by City Council and accepted by HUD are included in the City’s Annual Action Plan for that Program Year.

All CDBG funded projects are subject to environmental review procedures as outlined in 24 CFR Part 58. CHHS staff assumes primary responsibility for conducting the appropriate level of environmental review as defined in Subpart D. No project will be allowed to proceed without an appropriate environmental review being completed. Doing so without an appropriate (completed) environmental review may make the project ineligible for reimbursement.

The City prepares several reports that are submitted to HUD.  These reports can be viewed on our Plans and Policies page.

The CDBG program provides the City of Medford with an essential funding source to financially support a variety of programs and projects including but not limited to the following:

CONTACT

For more information, contact the Housing and Community Development Division at 541-774-2380 or hcd@cityofmedford.org.