The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is under the microscope. As the Trump Administration considers eliminating the program, the Urban Institute recommends a less-is-more approach.
"In a policy brief published last week, the Urban Institute recommends changing the eligibility rules so that CDBG funding would be spread across fewer communities, providing greater assistance to low- and moderate-income neighborhoods," writes J.B. Wogan.
The report follows news that the Trump Administration budget blueprint would eliminate funding for the program. Among the recommendations included in the Urban Institute's report: an increased amount of funding for a program that has been reduced to $3 billion annually in 2015, from a high of $15 billion in the late 1970s. The number of communities that qualify for CDBG funding in that time has also increased dramatically—86 percent since 1980, according to the report.
According to Wogan, the Urban Institute's recommendations for reform of the CDBG program mirrors that of the Obama Administration in 2013—those recommendations were opposed, however, by groups who represent CDBG recipients. Any recommendation that would reduce the number of possible grantees is likely to encounter opposition for the foreseeable future.
FULL STORY: Is It Time to Adopt a Less-Is-More Approach to Community Development Block Grants?
Where Community Development Block Grants Money Goes
A Forbes contributor provides analysis of how much states stand to lose if the Trump Administration succeeds in cutting funding for the Community Development Block Grants program.
A Defense of HUD's Grant Funding
Next City explores the possible consequences of reported desire by the Trump Administration to cut $6 billion from the budget of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Trump Administration Budget Draft Could Cut HUD Budget, Planning Grants, More
The Washington Post has a big scoop about the early draft of the Trump Administration's budget for the Department of Housing Urban Development.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service