IN OPPOSITION TO A DRAWDOWN IN CDBG PROGRAM FUNDING

            WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides Communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs; and

            WHEREAS, CDBG has provided support for purposes such as the development of affordable housing, public works and infrastructure maintenance, the provision of social services to the most vulnerable, and the creation of jobs; and

.           WHEREAS, that flexibility has allowed local governments to address the most urgent challenges and needs in their communities; and

            WHEREAS, the CDBG program has provided support to more than 1200 unites of local government and made a difference in the lives of millions of people and their communities across the Nation; and

            WHEREAS, local governments have faced immense budgetary pressures in recent years following the economic downturn, but must still provide essential services to citizens and carry out activities to ensure the well-being of communities; and

            WHEREAS, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has recommended a $200 million drawdown of CDBG program funding it is proposed Fiscal Year 2014 Budget to instead dedicate that funding to the Neighborhood Stabilization Initiative; and

            WHEREAS, local governments depend upon flexibility of the CDBG program in this time of economic recovery and the diminishment of these critical funds would cause further distress,

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges Congress to maintain the current level of funding for the CDBG program; and

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges that any Neighborhood Stabilization Initiative activities should be supported by new funds and not a drawdown from CDBG.