The Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Program is administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture under the authority of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and regulated by 24 CFR 570, Subpart I. It was established as part of a federal shift toward block grants that offer local communities flexibility in funding diverse development activities. The program aims to support viable communities by enhancing living environments, housing, and economic opportunities for low- to moderate-income persons.
TxCDBG funding must meet at least one of three national objectives: benefiting low- to moderate-income persons, eliminating slums or blight, or addressing urgent community needs posing immediate threats to health and safety. Eligible projects typically serve populations with at least 51 percent low- to moderate-income individuals, as defined by HUD Section 8 guidelines. Specific income limits for eligibility are based on either area median income or statewide non-metropolitan median income.
TxCDBG is composed of several fund categories. The Community Development Fund is the largest and supports a wide range of infrastructure and housing projects across Texas’s 24 state planning regions. The Downtown Revitalization Program targets historic main streets and rural downtown areas, aiming to eliminate deteriorated infrastructure. The Colonia Fund serves counties within 150 miles of the Texas-Mexico border, supporting unincorporated colonias through various subprograms. The State Urgent Need Fund provides infrastructure assistance following state-declared disasters that do not qualify for federal aid.
To apply for TxCDBG funding, eligible applicants must submit through the Texas Department of Agriculture’s annual application cycle, which is structured and governed by an Action Plan approved by HUD. This Action Plan outlines the methods for fund distribution and application review processes. Applications are scored competitively, and selected grantees enter into contracts with the state for project implementation following detailed guidelines found in the CDBG Project Implementation Manual.
The State Urgent Need Fund accepts applications on an as-needed basis. Award amounts vary by program, with maximum grants ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000, depending on program specifics and project scope.
For application support, prospective applicants can contact the Texas Department of Agriculture at [email protected] or call (800) Tell-TDA. The application process includes adherence to national objectives and compliance with HUD rules. More information about past awards, guidelines, and public records is accessible through TDA-GO.
