RADFORD – The City of Radford is in the process of creating its next five-year plan for the allocation of its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and is seeking public comment.
The City will hold public meetings on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 12 p.m. and on Thursday, Feb. 17, at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located at 10 Robertson Street. The city “is seeking participation as it initiates the preparation of its 2022-2026 Consolidated Plan, 2022 Annual Action Plan, and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.”
“The five-year consolidated plan will identify the affordable housing and community development needs in the City of Radford over the next five years,” the city’s announcement reads. “Annually, the city receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. To continue receiving these funds, the City of Radford is required to identify and prioritize its needs, then explain how it will address these needs through local projects as part of the Annual Action Plan for FY 2022.”
CDBG funds are federal grant funds distributed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development designed to support “community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities,” according to HUD.
“To support community development, activities are identified through an ongoing process. Activities may address needs such as infrastructure, economic development projects, public facilities installation, community centers, housing rehabilitation, public services, clearance/acquisition, micro-enterprise assistance, code enforcement, and homeowner assistance.”
All citizens and organizations are invited to attend the public meeting to comment orally or in writing on funding needs and priorities. Questions regarding the grant program are also encouraged. The City of Radford will make reasonable accommodations and services necessary for sensory-impaired and disabled citizens at the public meeting.
Questions should be directed to Melissa Skelton, at Melissa.Skelton@radfordva.gov or at (540) 267-3188.
Heather Bell