Community Development Block Grant

The Community Development Department administers federal, state and private grants on behalf of the City of Haverhill, for the good of all residents, particularly those of low to moderate incomes. The most significant responsibility for the Community Development Department is the administration of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). 

The primary objective of the CDBG program is the development of viable urban communities by:

1. Providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and
2. Expanding economic opportunities. The goals and funding are principally to benefit low-moderate income persons. 

Entitlement funds are provided on an annual basis to the city by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Under both statute (Public Law 93-383, as amended) and regulation (24 CFR 570), the CDBG program gives maximum feasible priority to activities which will carry out one of three broad national objectives: 

1. Benefit low-moderate income persons, 
2. Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight, or
3. Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs.

CDBG Public Service Grants

Organizations located within the City of Haverhill that have a 501 C(3) tax-exempt designation from the Internal Revenue Service can apply for the City of Haverhill's annual CDBG Public Service Grants. These grants are provided to the community to fund eligible activities for low income residents (below 80% of Area Median Income) that meet HUD's guidelines and the City's local Consolidated Action Plan. Information in the Workshop file is more specific to the types of programs the City of Haverhill will consider funding.

Applications are reviewed by the members of the Community Affairs Advisory Board and approved by the Mayor and City Council. All activities funded by these grants will commence no sooner than July 1, each year.

Upon being granted approval, subrecipients are expected to comply with all federal regulations and local policies in order to access funds. Mandatory training is given to new grant recipients to inform them of all compliance issues. All funds are disbursed on a reimbursement only basis.

CDBG Related Documents

• Program Year 2023 (FY 2024) Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER)
• Program Year 2024 Annual Action Plan 
• CDBG Budget Program Year 2024 (FY 2025)