Community Development Block Grant

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. The Entitlement Program is the portion of the CDBG Program that provides categorical block grant funds to metropolitan cities and urban counties. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards CDBG grants to entitlement communities to carry out affordable housing and community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services.

Snohomish County, in partnership with 18 cities and towns within the county through an interlocal agreement, receives CDBG funds on an entitlement basis as an Urban County Consortium. The county administers this funding on behalf of the consortium through the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD).

Program Primary Objective

The primary objective of the CDBG program is the development of viable urban communities. Viable communities are achieved by providing the following, principally for low and moderate income persons and families:

  • Decent housing
  • A suitable living environment
  • Expanded economic opportunities

Eligible Activities

CDBG funds can be used for a wide variety of public facilities & infrastructure projects, affordable housing projects and programs, and public services:

  • Activities related to real property: Acquisition, disposition, clearance and demolition, rehabilitation, street and sewer improvements, facilities/shelters for the homeless or persons with special needs, homebuyer purchase assistance, and homeowner repair/rehabilitation.
  • Rehabilitation Activities: Acquisition for rehabilitation, energy improvements, removal of material and architectural barriers, safety and accessibility improvements, code enforcement, historic preservation, lead based paint testing, and abatement.
  • Public Services: services for the homeless, drug intervention and domestic violence programs, basic health services, youth programs, child care, crime prevention, and fair housing counseling.

Each eligible activity must meet one of three National Objectives:

  • Benefit to low and moderate income persons
  • Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight
  • Meet a need having a particular urgency such as earthquakes or flood disasters

Ineligible Activities

Generally, the following activities are ineligible:

  • Acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of buildings for the general conduct of government
  • Political activities
  • Certain income payments
  • Construction of new housing by units of general local government
  • Purchase of equipment, furnishings, and personal property
  • Operating and maintenance expenses for public facilities
  • Maintenance of publicly owned streets, parks, playgrounds, and water / sewer facilities, etc.
  • Staff salaries for operation of public works and facilities

CDBG Programs