Community Development Block Grant Community Revitalization Program

The Community Development Block Grant Community Revitalization Program is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using federal funding provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This program is part of the broader Community Development Block Grant initiative established under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, which aims to support local governments in addressing economic development and community infrastructure needs, particularly for low-to-moderate income populations. The State of Illinois operates this program to extend federal resources to smaller communities that do not receive direct federal allocations, focusing on revitalization efforts that improve safety, accessibility, and economic viability. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support rural and non-entitlement communities in addressing visible and structural challenges such as blighted buildings, deteriorating infrastructure, underutilized commercial spaces, and preservation of historic structures. Eligible projects include sidewalk and streetscape improvements, demolition of unsafe structures, façade improvements for commercial properties, historic preservation activities, and the renovation or conversion of vacant buildings. These activities must align with federally defined objectives, including benefiting low-to-moderate income individuals, eliminating slums and blight, or addressing urgent community development needs that threaten public health or safety. Funding under this program totals approximately 13 million dollars, with individual awards ranging from 250,000 to 2,000,000 depending on project type and scope. The program operates as a reimbursement-based grant, requiring recipients to document eligible expenses through invoices and financial records. While cost sharing is not required, applicants may receive additional scoring points if they demonstrate committed supplemental funding. Indirect costs are not allowable under this program, although certain administrative and activity delivery costs may be included within defined limits. Pre-award costs are explicitly excluded from reimbursement. Eligibility is restricted primarily to units of general local government, including cities, villages, counties, and townships that do not receive direct CDBG entitlement funding. Applicants must meet several administrative and compliance requirements, including registration and prequalification in the Illinois GATA system, maintaining active federal registrations, and demonstrating good standing with state and federal oversight entities. Additional eligibility conditions include property control requirements, environmental compliance, and adherence to federal labor and procurement standards. Projects must also avoid disallowed conditions such as floodway locations or environmental contamination beyond specified thresholds. The application process is structured but open-ended, as submissions are accepted on a rolling basis until all available funds are exhausted. Applications must include a comprehensive package consisting of standardized forms, budget documentation, narrative project descriptions, cost estimates, maps, and evidence of public participation. A public hearing and formal resolution of support are required prior to submission, ensuring community engagement and transparency. Applicants must also demonstrate readiness through documentation of property ownership, permits, funding commitments, and project feasibility. Applications are evaluated through a merit-based review process with clearly defined scoring criteria. These include project impact, cost efficiency, community need, alignment with revitalization plans, community support, and additional funding contributions. Projects must achieve a minimum score threshold to qualify for funding and are awarded on a first-qualified, first-funded basis. Additional consideration is given to projects located in opportunity zones or underserved areas, as well as those that preserve historic character or contribute to tourism and economic development. Following award selection, recipients enter a structured administration phase that includes environmental review, grant agreement execution, and compliance monitoring. The anticipated period of performance is approximately two years from execution, with projects expected to begin roughly 90 days after preliminary award notification. Grantees are required to submit periodic financial and performance reports, comply with federal and state regulations, and participate in required training and oversight activities. Failure to meet compliance or reporting requirements may result in forfeiture of funding, emphasizing the program’s strong accountability framework.

wendy.bell@illinois.gov