State CDBG COVID-19 Response

In response to the COVID-19 emergency, rural counties are eligible to receive Economic Opportunity Grant funding for economic, housing and public health services. A total of $1.8 million is being distributed between eligible counties with an existing CDBG Public Services Grant contract through an expedited amendment process to fund COVID-19 response services in rural areas in Washington State.

Community Development Block Grant project

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)

The CDBG program improves the economic, social and physical environment of eligible, rural cities and counties to enhance the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents, thereby strengthening the entire community. The CDBG Program offers General Purpose and Specialty grants.

Who can apply?

Small, rural cities/towns and counties that are not entitled to receive CDBG funds directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can apply for a state CDBG grant.

Cities and towns with population less than 50,000, not participating in a CDBG Entitlement Urban County Consortium; and counties with populations less than 200,000.

Map of local governments served by state CDBG program (PDF)

List of local governments served by state CDBG program (PDF)

Special purpose districts, public housing authorities, community action agencies, economic development councils, other non-profit organizations, and Indian tribes are not eligible to apply directly to the state CDBG Program for funding, but may be a partner and sub-recipient in projects of funding with an eligible city/town or county applicant.

What can be funded?

The CDBG program can fund a wide range of activities (PDF) including:

• Sewer, water, streets/sidewalks and other infrastructure
• Community facilities
• Economic development, local micro-enterprise assistance programs
• Housing rehabilitation, infrastructure in support of affordable housing
• Planning
• Public Services

Activities must principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Low- and moderate-income is defined as 80 percent of county median income. Applicants may submit one request per fund each program year.

When to apply

General Purpose Grant Application – The 2020 CDBG General Purpose Grant Application cycle is now open.  Applications are due no later than June 3, 2020.

Public Services Grant Application – The 2020 CDBG Public Services Grant Application cycle is now open. Applications are due no later than April 8, 2020.

Economic Opportunity Grant Application – Applications accepted year-round on a funds-available basis.

Housing Enhancement Grant Application – Applications accepted through the Housing Trust Fund application process

Is my project eligible?

Eligible Project Tests (PDF)

Local and Indian CDBG Programs

Contact information for urban city and county CDBG Entitlement Programs (PDF) that receive CDBG funds directly from HUD rather than through the state.

See this link for contact information for the Indian Community Development Block Grant Program offered directly from HUD.

Program links

CDBG General Purpose Grants
CDBG Specialty Grants
Consolidated Plan and Action Plan

Technical Assistance Resources

CDBG Fact Sheet – English (PDF)
CDBG Fact Sheet – Spanish (PDF)
Management Handbook & Forms
Guidance Materials
2019 HUD LMI data for non-entitlement jurisdictions (PDF)
HUD LMI Interactive Map
Drinking water and wastewater funding summary (PDF)
Public Works Board
Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council (IACC)
Municipal Research Services Center of Washington
SAM – System for Award Management
US Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Need help?

Kaaren Roe, Section Manager
Kaaren.Roe@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-3018

Jacquie Andresen, Project Manager
Jacquie.Andresen@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-3017

Roberta Golden, CDBG Grant Specialist
Roberta.Golden@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-5020

Jeff Hinckle, Project Manager
Public Services and Planning Activities
Jeff.Hinckle@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-3060

Sheila Lee-Johnston, CDBG State Expert
Sheila.Lee-Johnston@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-3009

Genny Matteson, Project Manager
Housing Activities
Genny.Matteson@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-3093

Michelle Reilly, Project Manager
Michelle.Reilly@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-2725