Community Development Block Grant

The City of Rochester, New Hampshire administers an annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods and enhancing the quality of life for its residents, particularly those with low to moderate incomes. As an entitlement community, Rochester receives CDBG funding directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The city uses these funds to support a range of eligible activities, including housing rehabilitation, public facilities improvements, economic development, and public service grants. The program aligns with national objectives such as benefiting low- to moderate-income persons, preventing slums and blight, and addressing urgent community needs such as federally declared emergencies. Applicants to this program must demonstrate that their proposed project meets HUD eligibility requirements and directly supports one or more goals from the City's FY25–FY30 Consolidated Plan. In addition, applicants must prove their capacity to comply with all CDBG-related federal regulations and must be able to complete their project by April 2027. The program places emphasis on serving presumed benefit groups (e.g., homeless individuals, elderly persons, severely disabled adults, victims of domestic violence, and others), and mandates that at least 51% of the project’s beneficiaries qualify as very low, low, or moderate income. Funds may be used to cover the cost of labor, supplies, and materials associated with project implementation. However, all expenditures must be carefully tracked to ensure compliance with CDBG requirements. Projects involving construction or physical improvements must comply with additional federal requirements, including the Davis-Bacon Act, which mandates the use of prevailing wage rates, as well as environmental reviews, Section 3 regulations, and provisions from the Build America Buy America Act (BABA). These requirements apply from the moment an application is submitted and remain applicable throughout the lifecycle of the project, even if CDBG funds represent only a small portion of the total project budget. The application process is competitive, and proposals will be reviewed for compliance and impact. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on April 24, 2026, and must be submitted via email to Kiersten Wright, the Community Development Coordinator. Applicants are encouraged, though not required, to notify the city of their intent to apply by April 3, 2026. Submissions are reviewed first by the Community Development Division for basic eligibility. A summary report will be presented to the Rochester Community Development Committee, which will evaluate applications before presenting recommendations to the City Council. Final funding decisions are expected in July 2026. Projects must be ready to begin following HUD environmental clearance and other pre-approval steps. Activities considered “choice-limiting”—including contracts, acquisitions, and construction—cannot begin before environmental reviews are completed. Applicants are encouraged to submit three bids that incorporate federal wage rates and to prepare budgets that account for both hard and soft costs, including design and engineering. Any entity considering applying should seek technical assistance early in the process to determine eligibility and ensure sufficient time to prepare documentation. Overall, this grant opportunity supports physical infrastructure and housing improvements that will measurably benefit the residents of Rochester, particularly vulnerable populations. The City encourages applicants from nonprofits, public agencies, and other qualified entities with a clear mission to serve disadvantaged populations and a capacity to implement federally funded capital projects. The contact person for this program is Kiersten Wright, who can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 603-335-7519.

Applicants must include three cost estimates that reflect federal wage rates and must not begin construction prior to HUD environmental clearance.