The City of Rockville is offering its 2026 Community Development Block Grant Program, a federal initiative designed to fund housing and community development projects. The program's core mission aligns with addressing the needs of low- and moderate-income households and neighborhoods, directly contributing to the city's strategic priorities for community welfare and equitable development. This grant is crucial for supporting local efforts to improve living conditions and foster sustainable communities within Rockville.
The primary beneficiaries of this program are low- and moderate-income individuals and families, as well as residents of neighborhoods facing developmental challenges. The program aims to achieve significant impact goals, including improving housing stability, increasing access to affordable homeownership, enhancing public facilities, and stimulating local economic development. Through these targeted interventions, the grant seeks to create tangible, positive changes in the lives of vulnerable populations.
The program prioritizes a range of activities, focusing on housing repair and rehabilitation for existing homeowners, acquisition and clearance of land for new homeownership or rental housing development, and the rehabilitation of existing rental housing for low- and moderate-income persons. Other key focuses include direct homeownership assistance (e.g., down payment or closing cost assistance), development of housing for homeless or formerly homeless individuals, improvements to public facilities (including accessibility enhancements), economic development activities, and historic preservation. These priorities reflect a comprehensive approach to community development.
Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of rehabilitated homes, new affordable housing units created, and improved public facilities accessible to all residents. The program anticipates a reduction in housing instability and a boost in local economic vitality, particularly in underserved areas. The theory of change underpinning this grant posits that by investing in housing and community infrastructure, the City of Rockville can empower its residents, reduce poverty, and foster a more inclusive and resilient community. This grant, with its minimum request amount of $15,000 and project period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, is a strategic investment in the long-term well-being of Rockville's citizens.
