Youth Programs Tops Requests for CDBG Funds
The need for youth programs was the top concern of the minds of the residents who attended Wednesday night’s public hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
The January 31, 2018 hearing packed the City Council Chamber, where residents provided suggestions and feedback on how the federal funds should best be spent. For his part, Mayor Richard Thomas reaffirmed his commitment to expanding and improving youth programs. Youth after-school programs have been a top priority for the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau and Department of Recreation over the last year.
Mayor Thomas began the hearing on a personal note, telling residents how important the programs funded by the federal government and the city were to him growing up and how diligently the city would work to review all of this year’s requests.
“I know from personal experience that a little bit of money can go a long way and every dollar that Urban Renewal gives out can give hope to people in need,” Mayor Thomas said. “I wish to assure you that the agency will give careful consideration to all of the requests.”
As funds are limited, the application process will be competitive. The City will have a transparent process to decide who receives funding. More than 150 people attended the public hearing and 240 have made their suggestions through the on-line survey.
Mount Vernon residents who have not yet filled out the survey can do so until March 2nd. Comments from the online survey will be posted on the website and submitted to HUD as part of the 2018 Annual Action Plan. The survey is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MVCDBG2018
The Community Development Block Grant program, which began in 1974, provides communities with resources to help address various community development needs, including funds for cities and towns to provide decent housing, living environments and expanded economic opportunities — particularly for low- and moderate- income Americans.
President Trump’s 2018 budget proposal seeks to eliminate the CDBG program. However, funds for the program could be restored by Congress. The City will not know its final budget for the CDBG program until federal budget issues are resolved by Congress and the president. Programs underway are funded through continuing resolutions.
For more information visit www.cmvny.com/CDBG.
