The Community Development Block Grant Program Turns 40: Proposals for Program Expansion and Reform

The CDBG turns 40 this year. Thus, it is an appropriate time to take stock of this important program and consider how it can be improved. The purpose of this article is to introduce what we believe to be 6 key issues that must be addressed if the program is going to live up to its full potential. Those issues concern: the continuation of the program and funding levels; the formula for allocating funds to participating jurisdictions; the specification of the population groups targeted; the spatial targeting of funds; the programs role in furthering fair housing; and performance measurement. Each of these issues is discussed and the authors offer their recommendations for improving the efficiency and equity of the program.