Background
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program was created in 1974 under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act. The primary objective of this federal grant program is to develop viable urban communities. This is achieved by providing decent housing, public facilities and improvements, public services, suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities specifically for low-and-moderate income individuals and families.
The City of Hagerstown is recognized as an entitlement grantee under the CDBG program and as such receives an annual allocation of funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As the only regional entitlement community and lead agency, the City of Hagerstown’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) prepares the Consolidated Plan, a five (5) year strategy supported by annual action plans, to develop a unified vision and approach to best meet the goals of the CDBG program.
Philosophy and Strategy
The City of Hagerstown’s CDBG program focuses on visible and impactful community development projects. Activities are carried out to revitalize the City’s urban core, to enhance neighborhoods throughout the City, and improve the quality of life for all City residents. All CDBG activities are outlined in the Annual Action Plan and are implemented by city staff or community partners who are subrecipients of CDBG funds.
Past Funded CDBG Projects
The City of Hagerstown works with both local and regional partners and the community-at-large to develop community development programs that invest in low-and-moderate income people and neighborhoods. Below are examples of different projects that have been either fully or partially funded by the CDBG program.
- National Road Park
- City-wide Accessibility Ramps
- Salem Avenue/Linganore Avenue Pedestrian Crosswalk
- Downtown Police Surveillance Cameras
- The Hagerstown Skate Park
- Various rehabilitations of single and multi-family dwellings