Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Program

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Program administered by the City of Saratoga Springs Office of Community Development is a federally funded initiative originating from the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is designed to provide flexible financial support to local governments for activities that strengthen communities. The Saratoga Springs Office of Community Development, established in 1975, oversees the administration of these funds locally, aligning investments with the City Council’s priorities of improving housing access, enhancing living environments, and expanding economic opportunities for residents, particularly those of low and moderate income. The primary purpose of the CDBG program is to develop viable urban communities by supporting housing initiatives, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and the expansion of community services. A central requirement of the program is that at least seventy percent of funding must directly benefit individuals and households classified as low to moderate income according to HUD guidelines. Eligible projects include affordable housing construction and rehabilitation, public service delivery, infrastructure improvements, and community facility upgrades. The program emphasizes activities that address high priority needs such as homelessness prevention, housing rehabilitation, and supportive services for vulnerable populations including elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, and those experiencing housing instability. Funding may be used across a broad range of eligible activities, including acquisition and rehabilitation of property, construction or improvement of public facilities, delivery of public services such as job training or health care, and economic development initiatives such as microenterprise support or job creation programs. However, there are clear restrictions on ineligible uses, including general government expenses, political activities, and most equipment purchases. Additionally, funds cannot be used for religious purposes or income payments except in limited emergency assistance cases. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate leveraged funding, typically around twenty percent from other sources, and to align proposals with the City’s Consolidated Plan priorities. Eligible applicants include public agencies, departments of the City of Saratoga Springs, and private nonprofit organizations capable of administering funded projects. While private individuals and businesses may benefit from funded activities, they must do so through an eligible administering organization. All proposed activities must meet one of the federal national objectives, most commonly demonstrating benefit to low and moderate income populations through area-based, limited clientele, housing, or job creation outcomes. Applications are evaluated based on eligibility, alignment with strategic priorities, feasibility, and measurable outcomes. The application process follows a structured annual cycle. Applications are typically made available on December 1 and are due by January 30. During this period, applicants may receive technical assistance from the Office of Community Development. Public hearings are held in February to gather community input and allow applicants to present proposals. The Community Development Citizen Advisory Committee reviews submissions between March and May and provides recommendations to the City Council, followed by a public comment period and final approval before submission to HUD. Following project selection, all funded activities undergo an environmental review process in June and July to ensure compliance with federal regulations. HUD then reviews and approves the final plan, issuing grant agreements and releasing funds between June and August. Funded projects must comply with extensive federal requirements including financial management standards, procurement rules, labor standards such as prevailing wage requirements, and nondiscrimination policies. The program year runs from July 1 through June 30, and performance is reported annually through a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact the Community Development Planner, Katherine Tiedemann, via email or phone as provided by the City. The program is offered annually, and organizations interested in funding are encouraged to monitor the December release of application materials and align their proposals with the City’s housing and community development priorities.

Align proposals with high priority housing needs; demonstrate measurable outcomes; include leveraged funding; ensure compliance with HUD national objectives