Cleveland, Tennessee Upgrades With CDBG Funds

The City of Cleveland, Tennessee knows how to effectively use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. CDBG grants target metropolitan areas to help low-income neighborhoods with affordable housing, including infrastructure, codes enforcement, and recreation, such as the playground pictured. The City of Cleveland has used the funding to upgrade streets and parks in historically black areas in East Cleveland.

The City of Cleveland became a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Entitlement Community in 2004. Smaller cities compete for CDBG funds through state government. Entitlement communities, mostly larger cities and urban counties, are funded with annual grants based on a HUD formula. Use of the funding must meet goals of providing decent housing, and suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities.

Other projects funded by the CDGB are pictured on the City of Cleveland's website (http://www.cityofclevelandtn.com/CDBG/cdbg.html).