CDBG & HOME Programs

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The City of Norman Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) is authorized under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. The primary objective of the program is the development of viable urban communities. The Federal regulations regarding the program allows for the following basic categories of projects:

• Administration and Planning
• Infrastructure
• Rehabilitation & Preservation Activities (Residential & Non-Residential Structures)
• Public Services
• Special Activities by Certain Sub-Recipients

Housing programs and public services are available on an income-eligibility basis city-wide. Infrastructure projects are limited to targeted CDBG Neighborhoods.

CAPER Report

The use of funds for both the CDBG and HOME programs is developed through an extensive citizen participation program which was originally approved by City Council in 1975, and expanded in 1994. The plan calls for and encourages citizen participation, emphasizing the involvement of low, very low, and extremely low-income residents, but also encourages the participation of all Norman residents. Meetings begin in July each year with specific input from the eight target neighborhoods, and proceed through the following spring. Funding proposals are prepared and recommended to the City Council, and performance of programs is reviewed as well.

The eight neighborhoods were selected on the basis of their eligibility of greater than 50% low-moderate income persons within their boundaries. and the need of those areas for infrastructure improvements. Infrastructure projects must be within the boundaries of eligible targeted neighborhoods. Two representatives are elected from each neighborhood to serve on the "Community Development Policy Committee" for the Consolidated Plan. Five year plans were developed by each neighborhood with incremental one-year action plans developed annually. New five year plans will be prepared this summer, 1998, as well as the fifth year of the current five-year plans.

In August or September a general meeting is held as a Community Dialogue on Housing & Community Development issues. Five representatives to the Policy Committee are elected at that meeting. Also in August representatives are appointed by their represented groups, and approved by the City Council. Twenty-nine persons representing physical resource agencies, human resource agencies, private sector institutions, and groups involved in the community development process, are appointed to the Policy Committee at this time. In September the Policy Committee is given a review of program requirements and performance, and co-chairs are elected to preside for the balance of the year. At the end of September all public service agency requests must be submitted.

In October the committee reviews cost estimates on infrastructure projects. and discusses additional need for information.

In November the public service agencies must each make a presentation to the committee about their proposed projects. [The committee dialogues with the representatives at this time.]

In December, January, and February, sub-committees meet and review proposals and formulate budget recommendations for the committee as a whole. The sub-committees are housing & homeless, infrastructure, public services, and anti-poverty.

In March the Policy Committee meets to finalize a budget recommendation to the City Council. The proposed budget is then published in the local newspaper, and heard in a public hearing before the City Council in late March or early April each year.

Many hours are spent by interested citizens in the development of the budget and programs each year, and HUD's most recent review of the CDBG and HOME Programs commented that the "City is involved in extensive citizen participation which is a milestone of the City's CDBG Program.

Home Investments Partnerships (HOME) Program

The City of Norman Home Investments Partnerships Program (HOME) is authorized under the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 (NAHA) It's objectives are to provide decent, affordable housing to lower-income households, expand the capacity of non-profit housing providers, strengthen the ability of state and local governments to provide housing, and to leverage private-sector participation. The Federal regulations regarding the program allows for the following basic categories of projects:

• Housing Rehabilitation
• Homebuyers
• Acquisition of Housing Units
• Rental Assistance
• Community Development Housing Organization (CHDO) Activities