CBDG Downtown Revitalization

The 2025 CDBG Downtown Revitalization grant is administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) as part of its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This opportunity specifically supports the revitalization and redevelopment of downtown infrastructure in Nebraska communities. It emphasizes addressing health and safety issues, improving commercial viability, and enhancing overall capacity for community growth. The initiative aims to reinforce the economic and social importance of well-maintained downtown areas, which serve as central hubs for activity, local culture, and business retention or expansion. Applicants must use awarded funds for the physical implementation of improvements in designated downtown areas, following the successful completion of a required Downtown Revitalization (DTR) predevelopment or planning study. This study must be submitted before or concurrently with the application. The planning process ensures that projects are grounded in community-informed strategies and contribute to the elimination of substandard or blighted structures and areas. Acceptable activities must fulfill the national objective of preventing slum and blight on an area-wide basis, though activities benefiting low- and moderate-income persons may also be included. Eligible applicants include municipal entities in Nebraska, particularly those with clearly defined downtown business districts. While the opportunity does not list all eligible applicant types explicitly, it is administered by a state-level agency and applies to specific Nebraska communities, thereby excluding nationwide eligibility. Matching funds are required, although the specific match percentage or amount is not disclosed in the available materials and may require applicant verification or direct inquiry. Applications are accepted starting July 1, 2025, and the final submission deadline is September 15, 2025. The application must include or reference the applicant’s DTR study. Multiple applications are permitted, and while the grant does not provide pre-application or question submission deadlines, inquiries can be directed to Gina Doose, the Opportunity Manager, via email at gina.doose@nebraska.gov or phone at 402-310-9772. No specific evaluation criteria are detailed in the grant listing, but alignment with the program's redevelopment objectives is expected to guide funding decisions. The maximum award amount is $435,000 and the minimum award amount is $250,000. The number of awards available is not specified. Applicants are advised to consult the official CDBG website and AmpliFund portal for program-specific guidelines, user guides, and required templates. Additional resources such as the Nebraska Statewide Relay System are available for individuals with hearing or speech impairments. The opportunity is currently active and accepting applications, with no indication that it operates on a rolling or recurring basis at this time.