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What's going on...
Saving CDBG
Dear Concerned Citizen:
As you know, the President's FY2006 budget request proposed to eliminate or substantially reduce funding for 18 federal community
and economic development programs, including the $4.8 billion Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). And, although
the programs were not eliminated, many cities continue to face significant budget cuts again this year.
Recently, HUD announced an almost $4 million cut to Baltimore's four major
grant programs. These include: the Community Development Block Grant Program
(CDBG); the Home Investment Partnerships program (HOME); the Emergency
Shelter Grant program (ESG), and the Housing Opportunities for Persons With
HIV/AIDS program (HOPWA). This $4 million cut represents a 20% drop from
last year's already reduced funding levels, with CDBG taking the hardest
single hit, a $3 million reduction.
To minimize the damage caused by another federal budget cut, I am happy to
announce that Mayor Martin O'Malley has committed over $4 million in City
funds to cover these recent cuts. This $4 million is on top of the nearly
$20 million in general and bond funds that will be coming our way this year
and next to jumpstart the City's new $59.8 million Affordable Housing
Program. These City funds will ensure that a host of vital community
development programs and activities will continue and help us purchase and
clear land for redevelopment.
The Mayor's commitment will help Baltimore survive the 2006 cuts but it's still
unclear how Baltimore will be affected by continuing budget cuts. I call on you
to join me in reaching out to federal budget appropriators to help restore
FY2007 formula funding for CDBG at no less than $4.3 billion.
Please fill out this sample letter and forward it to our federal appropriators
and US Representatives. Together we can defeat these drastic, recurring cuts to the
CDBG program and keep these invaluable dollars a certainty.
Sincerely,
Paul T. Graziano Baltimore Housing Commissioner
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