Community Development Grant Program

The City of Lodi Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is part of a long-standing federal initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Since 1985, Lodi has participated in the CDBG program, which allocates federal funds annually based on a formula incorporating population size, poverty rates, and housing conditions. The purpose of the program is to support community-based projects that address urgent needs within the city, particularly those affecting low- and moderate-income residents. For the 2025–26 program year, the City of Lodi anticipates receiving approximately $600,000 in CDBG funds. Of this, around $150,000 will be designated for capital improvement and public infrastructure projects, and approximately $90,000 will be allocated to public service programs operated by community-based organizations. The remaining funds are expected to support administration and planning efforts, as well as other eligible activities consistent with HUD regulations and the city's priorities. Eligible applicants include local government entities and nonprofit organizations. All projects must align with the goals outlined in the City’s 2024–2028 Consolidated Plan, which guides multi-year CDBG investments. Activities must comply with federal eligibility rules and demonstrate a significant community impact. The city has clearly defined allowable and non-allowable uses of funds in the provided application materials, which include scoring criteria and compliance guidelines. The application window for the 2025–26 cycle opened on December 9, 2024, and closed on January 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Applications were required to be submitted via email, with separate forms provided for public service and infrastructure projects. Applicants were encouraged to review the application instructions, questions, and scoring tool thoroughly before submission. Funding decisions were expected to be finalized before the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1, 2025, when awarded funds would become available. A public hearing on the 2025–26 Annual Action Plan was scheduled on or after June 4, 2025, following a 30-day public comment period between May 3 and June 3, 2025. This plan detailed the city’s intended use of the CDBG funds for the upcoming year and was to be submitted to HUD upon final approval. The process reflects a commitment to transparency, public input, and strategic community investment. The City of Lodi’s Neighborhood Services Division manages the CDBG program. Interested parties could contact Jennifer Rhyne, Neighborhood Services Manager, by email or phone for additional guidance. Public-facing documents such as the Annual Action Plan, application guidelines, and scoring tools were made available through the city's official website, ensuring equitable access for all prospective applicants.

Applicants must ensure alignment with community needs outlined in the Consolidated Plan; projects with measurable impact and clear compliance with HUD goals are favored.