Community Development Block Grants (CBDG) Downtown Revitalization

The Downtown Revitalization Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) umbrella, is designed to address the deterioration of central business districts in non-entitlement areas across Missouri. The program seeks to eliminate slum and blight conditions and revitalize the cultural and economic centers of communities through targeted improvements to eligible downtown structures. As a part of Missouri's broader community development efforts, this program plays a critical role in preserving and enhancing the visual and functional integrity of commercial districts. This open-cycle funding opportunity is available year-round and prioritizes projects that improve facades, correct code violations in commercial structures, and support infrastructure directly tied to downtown revitalization. Projects must be located within defined downtown target areas where at least 25% of the buildings are documented to be in fair or poor condition. Improvements are limited to commercial portions of structures; CDBG funds cannot be used for residential units. Eligible activities include façade restoration, public infrastructure, and code-compliance upgrades for mixed-use and nonprofit buildings, provided they do not benefit residential spaces directly. The maximum grant per project is $750,000, with a funding cap of $75,000 per building. A 20% match is mandatory, sourced from public or private local investments. Eligibility is limited to units of general local government (UGLG) in non-entitlement areas—incorporated cities, counties, or villages with populations under specified thresholds. Counties may submit up to three applications (two for sub-applicants), while cities may submit two (one for a sub-applicant). Nonprofits and political subdivisions must apply as sub-applicants with an eligible city or county sponsor. All applicants must provide proof of a slum and blight condition, demonstrated through building surveys, photographs, maps, and adopted resolutions. For projects focused on singular iconic or historic buildings, additional pre-approval from DED is required. The application process is comprehensive and must follow a detailed 10-step guideline, including forming a project team, conducting environmental reviews, holding public hearings, and finalizing detailed engineering or architectural reports. Applications must be submitted through the Submittable platform and must include extensive documentation: financial statements, community needs assessments or comprehensive plans, public hearing notices and minutes, signed agreements from property owners, and a variety of legal certifications. If any required documentation is missing, the application will be automatically rejected. Applications are scored on a 100-point scale, with emphasis on project need, impact, local effort, past investment, readiness, and measurable outcomes. Bonus points may be awarded for letters of support from state representatives. All applicants must meet the HUD national objective for slum and blight elimination. Project proposals must be justified through narrative, backed with technical assessments, and fully costed with matching fund commitments. There is no fixed deadline as this is an open cycle program; however, funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until exhausted. The DED reserves the right to modify award amounts and program rules. For assistance, applicants may contact the Missouri CDBG staff at mocdbg@ded.mo.gov or by phone at 573-751-3600. Further guidance, policy manuals, and contact directories are available on the official program website at https://ded.mo.gov/cdbg.

Engage project team early; conduct required hearings; confirm eligibility and complete documentation to avoid disqualification.