City of Diamond Bar Community Development Block Grant 2025-2026

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federal initiative designed to support cities and counties in fostering vibrant urban communities. Its primary goals are to ensure decent housing, create suitable living environments, and expand economic opportunities, particularly for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. Each year, eligible cities and counties receive grants based on a formula that considers their specific community needs. For the 2025-2026 program year, the City of Diamond Bar is expected to receive $253,458. This funding is allocated toward community development projects with set restrictions on how the funds can be used. Fifteen percent of the total, or $38,019, can go toward public services, while the remaining 85%, or $215,439, is dedicated to public improvements, economic development, and rehabilitation initiatives. To qualify for CDBG funding, proposed projects must meet specific eligibility criteria. First, the activity must fall under the CDBG's approved categories, such as property acquisition for eligible uses, construction or rehabilitation of public facilities, demolition of deteriorated structures, provision of services to low- and moderate-income households, or removal of accessibility barriers for the elderly and disabled. Second, the project must satisfy at least one of the CDBG National Objectives, which are: benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals, addressing issues of slum or blight, or meeting an urgent community health or safety need. Additionally, each project should align with the community development objectives that Diamond Bar aims to fulfill through its CDBG allocation. Organizations interested in applying for CDBG funding must complete and submit an application detailing their proposed project. Each application will be assessed for compliance with CDBG criteria, and applicants may be invited for an interview to further discuss their projects and funding needs. The city plans to review all submitted applications in a City Council Public Hearing scheduled for January 21, 2025, where funding decisions will likely be made. Application forms are available upon request from the City's Administrative Coordinator, Arlene Laviera, or the CDBG Consultant, Dian Cho, who can be reached at 909-839-7030. Completed applications must be submitted to the City of Diamond Bar's office by mail or email by 3:00 p.m. on November 15, 2024. All applicants are encouraged to provide thorough and accurate information, as this will be crucial in the City’s assessment of their eligibility and project viability. For questions about the application process or requirements, potential applicants should contact Arlene Laviera or Dian Cho at the above phone number. They can provide further assistance, clarify program objectives, and help applicants determine if their projects align with CDBG guidelines.