The Village of Arlington Heights receives funding through the Federal Government's U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for housing and community development programs. The Village is an "entitlement community" for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds which may be used to address the housing and community development needs of the community, particularly the needs of residents who are low and moderate-income.
As an entitlement community, the Village may develop its own program and funding priorities. Every five years. the Village adopts a Consolidated Plan explaining the community's needs and priorities as well as the programs and projects it intends to fund.
Annually, the Village adopts an Annual Action Plan that explains how the Village will use its Federal resources (including its CDBG funds) during the individual fiscal year. Annual Action Plans become a part of the Consolidated Plan.
CDBG funds must be used primarily for the benefit of low and moderate-income persons. Generally, CDBG funds may be for the following, subject to federal regulations:
- Acquisition of real property
- Relocation and demolition
- Rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures
- Construction of public facilities and improvements
- Public services (subject to the funding cap explained below)
- Economic development
- Planning and administration (subject to the funding cap explained below)
Each year, a maximum of 15% of funds may be used for public services, a maximum of 20% may be used for grant administration, and at least 65% is used for housing programs, public facilities, infrastructure improvements, and other uses allowed under federal regulations. Programs and services may be delivered directly by the Village of Arlington Heights or the Village may make subgrants to agencies to carry-out eligible programs and projects.
The Consolidated Plan/Annual Action process begins in March of each year when CDBG grant application forms are made available by the Village. Next, the Village holds two public hearings concerning the Consolidated Plan (every five years) and Annual Action Plan (annually) to determine the priority housing and community development needs of the Village. After the first public hearing, a draft Consolidated Plan and/or Annual Action Plan is made available for a 30-day public comment period. The second public hearing is usually held in July. Usually, the Consolidated Plan and/or Annual Action Plan is adopted by the Village Board at the conclusion of the second public hearing.
To be placed on the mailing list to receive CDBG application forms and information about dates and times of public meetings concerning the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plans, contact the Village's Department of Planning and Community Development at 847.368.5200 or via email at [email protected].