Oak Park joins communities nationwide in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Community
Development Block Grant Program, or CDBG, officials announced in a news release.
According to the release, the village and its Community Development Citizen Advisory Committee host a
celebration at 6 p.m. April 4 at Village Hall, 123 Madison St., as part of National Community
Development Week from April 1 to 5.
The village of Oak Park is marking the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant Program April 1, 2024 to April 5. CDBG provides funding to area nonprofit organizations as they aid local residents.
In addition to highlighting the impact of the CDBG Program in Oak Park, the event honors U.S. Rep.
Danny Davis, D-Chicago, along with the recipients of the village’s CDBG Partnership Award, the release states.
“In Program Year 2023, Oak Park received more than $1.5 million in federal CDBG funding, illustrating
the significant impact of these funds on the local community,” officials stated in the release.
This federally funded, locally administered program supports programs and services for individuals and
families identified as low- and moderate-income by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, or HUD, the release states.
Officials noted in the release that the CDBG Program enacted by Congress in 1974 under the Housing
and Community Development Act, provides funding to countrywide communities to address needs such
as infrastructure, economic development, housing and support services for vulnerable populations.
“From hunger relief to infrastructure projects like Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant crosswalks,
federal CDBG funds are strategically allocated to activities with a direct and positive influence in Oak
Park,” officials stated in the release.
In Program Year 2023, funds were distributed to 14 local organizations service low- and moderate-
income individuals, the release states. Grants also supported infrastructure projects including street resurfacing and alley improvements, aligning with census-defined areas in need.
“CDBG funding was also instrumental in Oak Park’s lead hazard reduction, water line replacement and
rehabilitation loan programs, benefitting residents whose incomes meet HUD guidelines,” officials
stated in the release.
Officials noted in the release that the allocation of funds follows a program managed by village staff and
the Community Development Citizen Advisory Committee.
Nonprofit organizations request CDBG grants through the village annually and recommendations are made to the
Village Board, which has final authority on funding allocations, the release states.
