What is the CDBG Program? How does it work?
The Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG") Program is a program funded by the Federal government. The City of Vallejo receives about $1 million in new funding each year directly from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"). The main purpose of this program is to provide projects and services that benefit very low- and low-income families and neighborhoods in Vallejo. Funds are spent on such things as housing rehabilitation loans, social services, paint grants, homeownership assistance, curb ramps, street and sidewalk reconstruction, and the purchase and rehabilitation of public facilities. (Please refer to the list of CDBG projects currently funded).
How are the funds allocated?
After receiving written applications and input from the community, non-profit organizations, the City's Housing and Redevelopment Commission, and staff, the Vallejo City Council decides which activities and organizations will receive funding. Please refer to the rosters of City Council members and Housing and Redevelopment Commissioners.
When are the funds allocated?
Every one or two years.
When will new CDBG funding applications be available?
Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for new CDBG funding are anticipated to be available in December of 2015 for the 2016/2017 fiscal year.
When will the CDBG RFPs be due?
The RFPs will be due in January 2016.
Where may CDBG funds be spent?
CDBG funds that are used to make public improvements in neighborhoods (curbs, gutters, sidewalks, etc.) may only be spent in designated "target area neighborhoods." The one exception to this is the installation of curb (handicapped) ramps. Curb ramps may be installed anywhere in Vallejo.
The City of Vallejo currently has five (5) Target Area Neighborhoods. They are: Central City, Country Club Crest, Eastern City, South Vallejo, and Vallejo Heights. These are areas of Vallejo where, according to the most recent U.S. Census information, the majority of the residents are very low- and low-income. (Please refer to the CDBG Target Neighborhood Area map).
CDBG funds can also be used to provide services to individuals and families living in Vallejo, if they are very low- or low-income. Very low- and low-income is defined by the federal government as up to 80 percent of the median income for this area. For example, for a household of four persons, in order to be eligible for CDBG-funded services, the annual income of that household cannot exceed $61,350.
The CDBG Program is not a cash grant provided to individuals. The City contracts with organizations which then provide the services and programs. Learn more about income limits for Vallejo/Solano County.
What is the role of the Housing and Redevelopment Commission (HRC)?
The HRC is an advisory body created by the City Council to make recommendations on CDBG Program funding, and to provide progress reports on the status of CDBG projects and activities. The Commission has seven members. The Commission meets on the first Thursday of the month in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 555 Santa Clara Street. The meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.