By Eugene T. Lowe
March 19, 2012

A group of national organizations, including the Conference of Mayors, are urging Congressional members to sign letters that would increase funding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships programs in fiscal year 2013. The group, called the CDBG Coalition, is requesting Congress to approved at least $3.3 billion in formula funding for CDBG and $1.6 billion for HOME.

Efforts of the CDBG Coalition are presently focused on getting congressional members to sign three “Dear Colleague” letters, two (one each in the House and Senate) in support of CDBG, and one in the House in support of HOME. Representative Robert Brady (PA) is circulating a letter calling for CDBG to be funded at $3.466 billion in formula funding, which is what the House approved last year at the subcommittee level. The letter is now closed for signatures, but more than 130 House representatives signed the letter, which is 50 more representatives than signed a similar letter last year. Senator Patrick Leahy (VT) is circulating a letter calling for $3.3 billion in formula funding for CDBG. The deadline for signatures is Monday, March 19. Representative Marcia Fudge (OH) is circulating a letter requesting that HOME be funded at $1.6 billion in FY 2013, equal with its FY 2011 funding level. The deadline for House members to sign the HOME letter was extended to March 15. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran sent an alert to all mayors requesting that they contact their Congressional delegations to sign the letters of support.

The deadline for House members to sign the HOME letter was extended to March 15. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran sent an alert to all mayors requesting that they contact their Congressional delegations to sign the letters of support.

In order to fund CDBG, HOME, and a number of other housing programs at increased levels in FY 2013, it will be necessary for the House and Senate subcommittees responsible for approving funding levels to have more money or an increased allocation. To achieve this goal, the CDBG Coalition has also been working on a letter that more than 170 organizations have signed, including the Conference of Mayors, that calls on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to increase the 302 (b) allocation to the House and Senate committees responsible for funding community development, housing, and transportation programs to the highest possible level in fiscal year 2013.

As the activity continues in Congress, it is vital that as much as possible be done at the local level to focus attention on CDBG and HOME. Cities are encouraged to participate in this year’s National Community Development Week, April 9–14. Activities highlighting CDBG and HOME projects, with tours and groundbreaking ceremonies for Congressional delegations are suggested activities during National CD Week. Cities are encouraged to develop YouTube videos of projects, beneficiaries assisted by the programs, and Congressional visits to CDBG and HOME projects.