Housing & Neighborhood Development
451 South State Street
Salt Lake City UT 84111
801.535.7902
FAX 801.535.6078
Office hours: M-F 8 am to 5 pm

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Frequently Asked Questions

When are CDBG applications accepted?

The deadline for 2009-10 CDBG applications is August 25, 2008.

What can CDBG money be used for?

All projects must meet certain guidelines set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). All projects must meet one of the following national program objectives to be eligible for funding:

1. Low/Moderate (L/M) Income Benefit

A. Area Benefit Activities: Activities which meet the identified needs of L/M income persons residing in an area where at least 51% of the residents are L/M income persons. Potential eligible activities include: 1) street and sidewalk improvements; 2) park development; 3) community centers; and 4) public services which support neighborhood revitalization. (See attached map.)

B. Limited Clientele Activities: Activities which benefit specific groups of people (rather than all residents in a particular area), at least 51% of whom are L/M income persons. Potential eligible groups include: 1) abused children; 2) elderly persons; 3) battered spouses; 4) homeless persons; 5) adults meeting the Bureau of the Census’ Current Population Reports definition of severely disabled; 6) illiterate persons; 7) migrant farm workers; and 8) persons living with AIDS. 

C. Housing Activities: Activities which add or improve permanent, residential structures which will be occupied by L/M income households upon completion. Potential eligible activities include: 1) acquisition of property for permanent housing; 2) rehabilitation of permanent housing; 3) conversion of nonresidential structures into residential structures; and 4) eligible activities connected with new housing construction by nonprofit organizations.

2. Slum/Blight

A. Area Slum/Blight - Criteria not currently being used by Salt Lake City.

B. Spot Slum/Blight Activities: Activities must be designed to eliminate specific conditions of blight or physical decay on a spot basis not located in a slum or blighted area and the activity must be limited to: 1) acquisition of property; 2) clearance of property; 3) cost of relocation of affected people; 4) historic preservation; or 5) rehabilitation of buildings, but only to the extent necessary to eliminate specific conditions detrimental to public health and safety.

C. Urban Renewal Activities - Criteria not currently being used by Salt Lake City.

3. Urgent Needs: This is used for major catastrophes or emergencies such as floods and earthquakes and must have prior approval from HUD.

What is the review process for applications and how long does it take to receive the money if my application is approved?

Salt Lake City usually receives between 80 and 110 applications each year. All applications received in September will be reviewed by the Community Development CIP Advisory Board (CDCIP) between October and February. The CDCIP committee will make their funding recommendations to the Mayor at the end of February or in early March. The Mayor will then review the projects and make his funding recommendations to the City Council in March. The City Council has the final funding approval authority and makes their final decision in April or early May. The city then files its application with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development by May15th. If approved, the funds become available in July.

How do I get my money if my application is approved?

The city will provide a training session to all successful CDBG applicants in early June. During this session the federal requirements with which you must comply in order to qualify for your funding will be fully explained.

What are my chances of being funded?

The city usually receives between $8 million and $12.5 million in requests for funds but receives less than $4 million in CDBG funds. Therefore, competition for these funds is intense. Many factors are considered in the decision-making process including which projects offer the greatest benefit to the highest number of people and whether the project/program helps the city accomplish the goals outlined in its Consolidated Plan.

What is the Consolidated Plan?

The Consolidated Plan is a five-year plan that is submitted to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development outlining the goals and vision for community development actions to be accomplished with federal funding sources. It offers local jurisdictions the opportunity to shape housing and community development strategies and creates an opportunity for strategic planning and citizen participation in a manner that reduces duplication of effort at the local level. The Consolidated Plan approach is the means to meet the application requirements for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) programs. This process replaces prior planning and application requirements with a single document.

The Consolidated Plan must state how each jurisdiction will with provide its citizens with decent, safe and affordable housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities. Annual goals and benchmarks for these goals are included in the Consolidated Plan.

Who qualifies to receive CDBG funds?

CDBG funds cannot be used to unduly enrich private citizens. Most CDBG applications are filed by nonprofit organizations for projects/programs that benefit low- and moderate-income individuals; community councils for improvements to public facilities or public streets and sidewalks in their community; and by city departments for improvements to public property such as streets, sidewalks and parks. Applications for funds to make improvements to privately owned houses/duplexes are not eligible.

For more information on the CDBG program, contact Greg Johnson (phone 801-535-7115).