Community Development Block Grant

A Federal Grant Program

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program was enacted into law as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. CDBG is a formula-allocated program that provides grants to eligible grantees, known as Entitlement Communities. A community qualifies for the program when its population is over 50,000.  

The Purpose

The primary purpose of the CDBG program is to benefit low- to moderate-income residents in one of the three following ways:

  • Providing decent, safe, and sanitary housing;
  • Creating a suitable living environment; and/or
  • Creating economic opportunities. 

The Planning Process


Consolidated Plan

Every five years, the Town engages residents and stakeholders to determine the current needs of the community. The results of this process are analyzed with the results helping to identify the greatest needs. The Town then develops a five-year strategy, called a Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan provides structure for the Town’s programs and budget for its CDBG funding. The current Consolidated Plan covers Program Years 2020-2024. 

Annual Action Plan 

Each year the Town develops an Annual Action Plan that outlines the programs and services the Town will undertake during the program year (April 1 – March 31). The annual activities have a direct tie-back to the Consolidated Plan goals and priorities.  The proposed draft of the Program Year 2023 Annual Action Plan is open for public review and comment until March 27.

Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER)

Within 90 days of completing an Annual Action Plan program year, the Town must submit an annual report called a Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) to HUD. The CAPER provides an overview of the work completed during the Annual Action Plan program year and outlines progress towards meeting five-year goals.  

Learn more about Community Development Block Grants on the McLean County Regional Planning Commission's website.