Mission Statement
To create, maintain, preserve, and provide affordable, safe housing opportunities, programs and services.
Line of Business
Activities that benefit the Low / Moderate income citizens of the City of Bloomington
Focus Area
City of Bloomington Corporate Limits
Program Description
The primary funding for this division is the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), an entitlement grant distributed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Entitlement cities are required to develop and submit to HUD, a five-year plan, known as the Consolidated Plan (Con Plan.) This plan provides a comprehensive review of the current needs of the community, from which all activities are based.
On February 22, 2010, the City Council voted to approve the 2010-2015 plan to pursue HUD's overall goal to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities principally for low- and moderate-income persons. Each year, activities proposed must meet the predetermined needs established within the Consolidated Plan.
As of January 11, 2012, HUD Chicago Regional Office staff indicated that our estimated grant amount for our Fiscal Year 2013 is $556,487. Proposed cuts to entitlement programs currently being discussed by Congress may be effective with the 2012 and 2013 Federal Fiscal Years which begin October 1st of each year. Our allocation for May 1, 2012, would be under the 2011 Federal Fiscal Year.
In addition to the CDBG program, Community Development administers the Continuum of Care (COC), a HUD grant program that provides services for the homeless; and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Single Family Owner Occupied Rehabilitation (SFOOR) program. Programs / activities administered and sponsored under this division include:
Key Services Provided
- Single family rehabilitation projects for low to moderate income households.
- Demolition of properties too distressed for rehabilitation. The lots from these structures are often donated to Habitat for Humanity or Youth Build for construction of affordable housing.
- Public Service activities including:
- Peace Meals
- Homeless Activities – match money for HUD’s Continuum of Care Program
- Emergency Services (PATH)
- Section 3 Job / Life Skills Training of public housing residents
- Go 4 College Summer Youth Program
- Labyrinth Project – Operating Support
- Infrastructure funding (sidewalk, street, curb and gutter replacement, water and sewer services)
- Administration of the Continuum of Care programs for the homeless
- Administration of the IHDA SFOOR program – providing comprehensive housing rehabilitation for low / moderate income households.
View the full narrative for the Community Development Division.