was created by the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 and is the largest federal block grant available to communities to create affordable housing. The intent of the program is to:

•  increase the supply of decent affordable housing to low- and very low-income households;
•  expand the capacity of nonprofit housing providers;
•  strengthen the ability of state and local governments to provide housing;
•  leverage non-federal sources of funds for affordable housing.

authorized under the Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, is an annual grant to localities used to assist the development of viable communities. To reach this goal, the program supports low to moderate income persons and households by providing:

•  decent housing;
•  a suitable living environment;
•  expanded economic opportunities.

All CDBG activities must meet one of three national objectives 1) benefit low- or moderate-income persons, 2) eliminate slum and blight, and 3) meet an urgent need (such as those caused by natural disasters). To date, Washington County's CDBG funds have focused on the first objective, benefit to low- or moderate-income persons.

•  Homeowner Rehabilitation
•  Homebuyer Activities
•  Rental Housing

•  Public Facilities
•  Property Acquisition
•  Rental Rehabilitation
•  Lead-based Paint Testing & Abatement
•  Public Services Activities
•  Handicap Accessibility
•  Youth Center

•  Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO)
•  Non-Profit Organizations
•  Local Governments
•  Contractors
•  Developers
•  Private Lenders
•  Faith-based Organizations

Washington County grants funds through a competitive request for proposal process on an annual basis. Interested parties submit applications which are reviewed by staff and the CDBG/HOME Citizen Advisory Committee. The Washington County Board of Commissioners reviews the Citizen Advisory Committee's funding recommendations, makes final funding decisions and approves inclusion of these decisions in the Annual Action Plan. A public comment period follows whereby citizens may provide comments or feedback to the county regarding the plan. The plan is for viewing on the county website, in public libraries and in the lobby of the Department of Community Services. After the public comment period, the plan is sent to the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). HUD must review and approves the county's Annual Action Plan before funds are awarded to the county and then to the applicants.