Show-Me State Times

The City of St. Louis - Community Development Administration (CDA) announced on Friday, August 2, the availability of $5,119,304 in funds for the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Request for Proposals (RFP). Proposals are due by September 6, 2024.

Established by Congress in 1974 through the Housing and Community Development Act, the CDBG program is administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It aims to develop urban communities by funding affordable housing, improving neighborhood quality of life, and expanding economic opportunities primarily for low- and moderate-income individuals. The program operates on an annual funding cycle with municipalities and local governments receiving allocations to support various community development initiatives. For the prior 2024 program year, $4,996,484 was available.

The CDA will host a CDBG Financial Management Best Practices Webinar at 10 am on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

As part of its ongoing efforts, CDA is developing its 2025 ‐ 2029 Consolidated Plan. This data-driven process involves enhanced citizen participation. Priorities identified from community-wide focus groups include youth services, relocation assistance, drug abuse counseling and treatment, health services and public improvements. Other priorities include economic development; affordable housing; planning; public facilities; public improvements and infrastructure; administration.

Targeted investment areas under the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (NRSAs) include North NRSA (Baden, North Pointe), Northwest NRSA (Wells-Goodfellow), North Central NRSA (Greater Ville), and Choice NRSA (Near Northside Choice Neighborhood Footprint).

The CDA has revamped its Commercial Facade Improvement Program which provides five-year forgivable loans to small business owners to improve their building exteriors. Details are included in the 2025 CDBG RFP document.

Both existing grantees and new applicants such as non-profits and neighborhood groups are encouraged to apply for funding that aligns with CDBG goals. Full details can be accessed on the CDA website.

Important dates related to this cycle include:

- July 22: Funding Priorities Published

- August 2: Issued CDBG Non-Housing Production RFP

- August 15: Virtual Capacity Building Training

- September 6: Proposal Submission Deadline

- October Dates: Various stages of review and approval processes

A recording of a recent public hearing is available on the City of St. Louis' YouTube channel along with maps showing targeted areas for investment.

About the Community Development Administration:

The CDA is dedicated to enhancing life quality in St. Louis through strategic investments in housing, economic development, and public services ensuring residents have access to safe housing and economic opportunities.

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