March 3, 2003

The annual National Community Development Block Week is set for April 21-27, 2003 and cities are preparing for a wide range of events to herald the accomplishments and impact throughout the nation of the Community Development Block grant (CDBG) program of the federal government.

Signed into law in 1974, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program has provided direct resources to every American city. There are currently 1,030 CDBG grants in cities from every state of the union, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam.

In fiscal year 2001, CDBG funds totaled $5.1 billion. The entitlement program provides grants to eligible jurisdiction. These are cities with populations over 50,000, urban counties with more than 200,000 people, and states which are responsible for administering the program for small cities, rural counties and unincorporated jurisdictions.

CDBG — since 1975 — is the principal source of federal assistance for localities to use in coming up with flexible and comprehensive strategies to meet the needs of low and moderate income families.

The National Community Development Association of Washington (DC) is the national organization representing community development directors from cites and counties.

They are responsible for mobilizing and monitoring nationwide activities all over the U.S. to highlight local activities and accomplishments made possible through CDBG resources.

More information on National Community Development Week can be obtained from: National Community Development Association, 522 21st Street NW, Suite 120, Washington, DC 20006; Telephone: 202-293-7587; Fax: 202-887-5546; E-Mail: ncda@ncdaonline.org