April 12-18 has been declared National Community Development Week by Assistant Secretary Roy Benardi, Office of Community Planning and Development.

Signed into law on August 22, 1974, the Community Development Block Grant program is the most reliable funding source for addressing the critical social, economic and environmental problems facing the nation's cities.

The program develops viable urban communities by funding cities so that they can develop decent housing, suitable living environments and expanded economic opportunities, principally for low-and moderate-income persons.

For cities large and small, urban and rural, CDBG has been the driving force for housing rehabilitation, neighborhood improvements and local economic development initiatives. Among other things, CDBG funds have improved water and sewer systems, provided loans for business development, supported services for lower income elderly and children and expanded homeownership opportunities.