Applications sought for CDBG and HOME Funds

The City of Columbia anticipates receiving approximately $800,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $460,000 in HOME funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development available during 2013. These funds will be provided for CDBG and HOME eligible activities as part of the city's annual plan. The city will also reallocate approximately $120,000 in leftover CDBG funding from previous years.    

CDBG funding is provided in the following categories: public improvements; housing; and public facilities, services and economic development. All CDBG funding must benefit low- to moderate-income households or eliminate a spot case of blight. CDBG applications must be received by the Community Development Department by May 2 at 11:30 a.m. to be considered.

Eligible HOME projects, which are listed as a high priority in the city's 2010-2014 consolidated plan, will be included in the city's annual plan on a first come-first served basis, at the time all application requirements are met. Eligible HOME activities include: new construction for homeownership; rental occupancy by households with special needs; tenant-based rental assistance; and rehabilitation for homeownership or rental occupancy. All HOME assisted housing must benefit lower-income households. Staff will review project eligibility; the Community Development Commission will review criteria, application submission procedures and project implementation requirements.

A pre-application workshop will be held March 7 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in conference rooms 1A and 1B of City Hall, 701 E. Broadway. Applications will be available at workshop, in the Community Development Department on the fifth floor of  City Hall or online at www.GoColumbiaMo.com/Planning/Housing_Programs/cdbg.php.

Questions regarding the application procedure should be directed to Randy Cole or Kathy Sides at (573) 874-7239, lcole@GoColumbiaMo.com.