Program Overview

• About 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 LACDA administers this funding on behalf of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, which oversees the LACDA, and 48 participating cities throughout the County.
  
  The LACDA works closely with diverse communities and elected representatives to assess local needs and identify funding priorities. The LACDA 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-income;
  
  - Aid in preventing neighborhood deterioration; and
  
  - Meet other urgent community development needs due to natural disasters or other emergencies.

• CDBG Activities

  The LACDA 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, the CDBG staff helps communities prioritize their needs. The LACDA then provides input to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for funding consideration. Participating cities 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 CDC 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.

• Eligible Recipients

  CDBG funding is targeted to benefit low- and moderate-income residents who earn less than 80% of the Los Angeles County median family income. The CDBG program grants funding to Community-Based Organizations and County Departments to provide specific activities to eligible residents. If you and your organization are located in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, you may be eligible for CDBG funding. An unincorporated area is any community not located within a city. Please confirm your area’s unincorporated status.

  Cities with populations under 50,000 can also participate with the County in receiving CDBG Program funds. Forty-eight participating cities currently work jointly with the County to participate and 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 cities directly with questions regarding their programs.

• Partners

  The LACDA works with various types of agencies who comprise the service delivery network for CDBG-funded activities in the unincorporated areas of the County and in the participating cities. 
  
  Major players in the Urban County’s cooperative structure for housing and community development include non-profit organizations. The CDBG Division contracts directly with nonprofit community-based organizations and other public agencies to provide public services to Urban County residents,  including a wide range of programs for people with special needs, homeless, seniors, youth, and other low- and moderate-income populations.

  To carry out the County’s housing and community development strategies, we coordinate with the LACDA’s internal division and some County departments.
  
  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.

• Plans and Reports

  Consolidated Plan
  One-Year Action Plan
  CAPER
  2016 Community Profile
  Assessment of Fair Housing
  Final 2011 Analysis of Impediments