City of Carlsbad Community Development Block Grant Program

The City of Carlsbad is preparing to allocate approximately $550,741 in federal funding through the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program, provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These grants support community projects that improve the lives of low-income residents. Social service organizations can now apply for the funding, with applications due by January 17, 2025. Final decisions on grant awards will be made by the Carlsbad City Council during a public hearing in May 2025, based on recommendations from the Housing Commission. The CDBG program is regulated by HUD and uses a formula to determine grant amounts for eligible cities and counties. In Carlsbad, grant funding must align with the city’s priorities for the next five years, which include increasing and preserving affordable housing, preventing and reducing homelessness, providing fair housing services, and strengthening support services for residents with special needs. In 2024, grants supported organizations like Casa de Amparo, which received $100,000 for facility improvements benefiting youth and adolescents ages 12–24, and the Community Resource Center and Interfaith Community Services, which received funding to provide rental and utility assistance to prevent homelessness. The Legal Aid Society was awarded $25,000 to support its fair housing program, offering legal services, education, and counseling. Additionally, $236,840 was allocated to the Carlsbad Affordable Housing Fund to create and preserve housing opportunities for lower-income families. Applications and additional details are available on the City of Carlsbad’s website. The grants provide a critical opportunity for local organizations to address housing and social service needs in alignment with HUD’s guidelines and the city’s strategic priorities.