Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

As part of the entitlement process, Pinal County communities may elect each three-year qualifying period to join the county’s program, execute an agreement, and receive funding under the county’s allocation. Four Pinal County communities have executed an agreement: Eloy, Florence, Mammoth, and Maricopa. Therefore, only unincorporated Pinal County and these four communities may have projects funded by the county’s CDBG program.

Projects under the CDBG program must address one of three national objectives established by Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These national objectives are:

• Low Mod Benefit: The activity must benefit low- and moderate-income persons but such activities cannot benefit moderate-income persons to the exclusion of low-income persons. 70% of all Pinal County CDBG funds must fall within this category. Eligible activities fall into one of the following four categories:
  • Area-wide Benefit - benefits low- to moderate-income persons residing in an area in which 51% of the residents are considered low- to moderate-income.
  • Limited Clientele Benefit - provides benefits to a target group (as identified by CDBG) that is assumed to be 51% low- to moderate-income. These target groups are abused children, persons with disabilities, children, elderly persons (age 62 and up), battered spouses, homeless persons (an adult without children or a youth not accompanied by an adult), adults with severe disabilities (age 16 and up), illiterate persons, persons living with AIDS and migrant farm workers.
  • Housing - assistance to improve residential structures or assistance to purchase homes for qualified persons who individually meet the low to moderate-income requirements.
  • Job Creation or Retention - economic development assistance, in which the end result creates or retains permanent jobs, at least 51% of which are held by or will be made available to low- to moderate-income persons.
• Slum/Blight: The activity must aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight. Example projects - demolition and clearance, downtown redevelopment plan, code enforcement, commercial rehabilitation.
• Urgent Need: The activity meets other community development needs having particular urgency, which pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community. Example projects - demolition and clearance, commercial rehabilitation, housing rehabilitation.

Projects are identified each year and are listed in the Annual Action Plan.

The communities of Eloy, Florence, Mammoth, and Maricopa may submit a project on behalf of their local government. Pinal County non-profits may also submit a request for funding, if their project meets one of the national objectives and fits within the goals of the current Consolidated Plan.

The application process is conducted each year between October and February for funding the following August/September. This process starts with a public meeting. Any project to be considered must be discussed during a public meeting. Then an application must be submitted. Technical assistance is provided by Pinal County to assist with the process. CDBG funds are not awarded to individuals. However, and individual may recommend a project.