Applications for the 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program have officially been opened by the County of San Diego's Housing and Community Development Services (HCDS), according to a recent County News Center article. With the goal to provide decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic growth for low and moderate-income communities, the CDBG program will foster urban development and uplift residents in need.

Interested parties are welcome to submit their applications, which can be found online at the San Diego County Housing and Community Development Services website, until 5 p.m. on November 10. Eligible projects range from community facilities and infrastructure development to neighborhood enhancement, affordable housing acquisition or preservation, and limited public services.

All applicants must ensure their submitted projects adhere to specific criteria, including meeting CDBG program eligibility requirements, and aligning with the County's 5-Year Consolidated Plan Goals and the 2024-2025 Annual Plan Strategy. Furthermore, proposed projects must support the County's goals for economic and racial equity by prioritizing the needs of vulnerable communities in the region.

To provide further support to applicants, HCDS will be hosting five CDBG Application Workshops. These sessions offer interested non-profit organizations, County departments, participating CDBG city departments, and community members an opportunity to get valuable information on the CDBG program and application process. These workshops will help potential applicants ensure their projects meet the required criteria while offering guidance and technical assistance during the application process.

It's worth noting that only public entities or tax-exempt non-profit organizations are allowed to implement CDBG projects. Authorized representatives, as approved by their organization's board of directors, can submit applications on behalf of non-profit organizations. Private residents can submit a separate Resident Request Application, although these requests are not intended to provide funding to private residents for their projects or services.

With five CDBG Application Workshops available, applicants will have ample opportunity to drop in and receive one-on-one support, guidance, and technical assistance. All official workshops will be held between October 4 and October 11, at various library locations in Lakeside, Imperial Beach, Del Mar, Spring Valley, and Fallbrook.

For more information about the application process and workshop schedules, you can visit San Diego County's Engage San Diego and the San Diego County Engagement Center.