By Eugene T. Lowe
March 15, 2004

During April 12 - 18, cities, counties and states will celebrate the outstanding achievement of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This is an especially noteworthy year for the celebration as CDBG will turn 30 years old. Many cities and national organizations are also planning events to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the program. As in past years, some 600 - 700 jurisdictions are expected to pay tribute to CDBG in April when congressional delegations will be available for the many events being planned.

It is critical that mayors and their cities take part in National Community Development Week this year. The administration's budget, calls for a cut in the overall Community Development Fund. It also rates the program as ineffective coupled with a senate budget resolution for FY 2005, which assumes a $2.14 billion cut in the program.

As in past years, the National Community Development Association (NCDA) is spearheading the effort. The association of community development directors has developed a new poster, tee shirts, and a variety of other items for this year's celebration. You can see what's available at www.ncdaonline.org. NCDA has also developed a guidebook which outlines a time honored approach for carrying out an effective CD Week celebration.

Once again, the main purpose of the week will be to educate congressional delegations on the CDBG projects in their jurisdictions. Over the years, national organizations of both appointed and elected officials, have found that congressional delegation exposure to local CDBG projects during CD Week has made the difference when making lobby visits on Capitol Hill.

What do cities do during National Community Development Week. Some examples taken from the NCDA guidebook are:

Elizabeth, NJ: Mayor's forum on the CDBG program on local cable television station.

Rockford, IL: conducted a homeownership fair that was sponsored by the city, local banks and Realtors.

Kansas City, KS: presented member of the community with a "Community Leader of the Year" award.

Shreveport, LA: held a carnival event called the "Fun Day" for children of targeted neighborhoods which was held in one of the parks assisted with CDBG funds. Safety tips were provided by the fire and police departments.

Lubbock, TX: holds annual awards ceremony for outstanding subrecipient project before the City Council.