Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)



CDBG Fiscal Year 2024 Proposal Timeline:
December 4, 2023 CDBG Public Hearing held at City Hall and on Zoom
December 8, 2023 FY2024 Application opened and guidance posted by EOHLC
February 7, 2024 Public Social Services project proposals due to Community & Economic Development Department
February 12-16, 2024 Public Social Services project proposals reviewed, recommendations made to Mayor
February 25, 2024 Community Development Strategy submitted to EOHLC
March 4, 2024 CDBG Public Hearing held at City Hall and on Zoom (stay tuned for time/Zoom link)
March 25, 2024 Proposal submitted to EOHLC
July 1, 2024 Approximate award date
October 1, 2024 Approximate projects start date

Please reach out to the Community & Economic Development Department (anna.oltman@greenfield-ma.gov) with any questions or comments about the FY 2024 proposal.




WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM?

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federal program that provides grants to state and local governments for the purpose of developing viable and resilient urban communities, especially for people who are low- and moderate-income. CDBG activities address needs such as infrastructure, economic development, public facilities, community centers, housing rehabilitation, public services, microenterprise assistance, homeowner assistance, and others. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides more information on CDBG eligible activities here.

Greenfield receives CDBG funds from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), which in turn receives CDBG funding from HUD. Greenfield is a Mini-Entitlement Community, which means that the city receives funding every grant cycle. The Commonwealth designates municipalities as Mini-Entitlements through a formula based on a high statistical indication of need, poverty rate, and size.


HOW DOES GREENFIELD USE CDBG FUNDS?

Ahead of each grant application, the Community and Economic Development Department holds a public meeting to accept community input on the City’s Community Development Strategy. The Community Development Strategy provides a summary of the City’s key planning documents and outlines a plan of action for accomplishing specific community development goals for the next 3-5 years.

Based on public input, the identified needs of other City departments, local and regional planning processes, and assessments of ongoing projects, CEDD proposes CDBG projects to EOHLC for approval. To gain approval, a project must meet the national CDBG objective of providing benefits to low- and moderate-income people. We provide periodic updates on CDBG projects at public meetings. Community input on CDBG projects is both welcome and encouraged! You can find minutes from past CDBG Public Hearings on the CEDD Documents page.


CURRENT CDBG-FUNDED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

Public Facilities/Infrastructure Projects: 

  • West Street infrastructure improvements
  • Sidewalks Improvements
  • Main Street Water Line Upgrade (design)

Public Social Services:


Other activities:

  • Architectural design for ADA improvements to City Hall
  • Support for relocation and temporary shelter during the Wells Street Shelter Rehabilitation


The Greenfield Housing Rehabilitation Program,
which provides 0% deferred loans to make critical property improvements to homes/apartments occupied by low/moderate income households. You can read more about the Housing Rehabilitation program here.


PAST CDBG-FUNDED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:


  • Infrastructure upgrades: School Street, Davis Street, West Street
  • Sidewalks: Hope Street, Deerfield Street, Main Street, Bank Row, Wells Street, and Washington Street
  • Lunt Field ADA improvements
  • Commercial facades improvements
  • ADA accessibility improvements: Food Pantry and Garden Cinema
  • Olive Street Garage Pocket Park
  • Public social services

If you have questions or feedback about CDBG-funded activities please contact the Community & Economic Development Department or attend a CDBG Public Hearing