City of Madison Celebrates National Community Development Week
posted
The City of Madison is joining municipalities across the country in celebrating National Community Development Week (April 21-25, 2025), highlighting the impact that projects supported by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs have had on the Madison area.
The CDBG program was signed into law by President Gerald Ford in 1974 as part of the Housing and Community Development Act. The legislation consolidated what used to be eight different federal programs into one block grant and allowed local governments to have more control over where that money went. CDBG funds can be used for a wide range of purposes, including infrastructure, economic development, housing, and other community needs.
At a time when federal funding for many programs is under increased scrutiny, it’s important to highlight the critical role programs like CDBG have had in helping generations of Madisonians.
The City of Madison first received CDBG funds in 1975, one year after the program was created.
For 50 years, the City has used CDBG funds to help create or improve community spaces, like the Warner Park Community and Recreation Center and the Allied Drive and Bridge Lake Point Community Centers. CDBG funds have helped address critical housing needs by helping homeowners finance needed home repairs, making homeownership available to first-time homebuyers, and modernizing affordable rental homes.
Federal CDBG funding has also played a key role in helping Madison entrepreneurs start new businesses, grow small businesses, and add jobs.
The City of Madison's Community Development Block Grant Committee meets monthly, with Alds. Dina Nina Rutherford-Martinez, John Guequierre, and Barbara Harrington-McKinney currently serving on the committee alongside several community members.
