Economic Development
What Activities are funded in the CDBG Economic Development Category?
The economic development category funds activities responsive to the needs of the very low and low-income unemployed and under-employed persons in the Urban County. Primary emphasis has been placed on job training/placement, and microenterprise development programs.
The following priority has been identified in the Consolidated Plan for Economic Development activities
- Reduce the number of persons below the poverty level
- Expand economic opportunities for very low and low-income residents
- Increase the viability of neighborhood commercial areas
Who is Eligible to receive CDBG funds in the Economic Development Category?
- Any non-profit community based development organization, governmental, or for-profit organization with projects and/or programs to address the activities above.
- The project/program must meet the Federal eligibility requirements and demonstrate they benefit very low and low-income persons.
- The project/program must be located in the Contra Costa County's Urban County. The Urban County includes the entire County and unincorporated areas less the cities of Antioch, Concord, Pittsburg, Richmond, and Walnut Creek. Each of those jurisdictions administers their own CDBG programs.
The County allocates funds received from the federal government for CDBG activities to organizations that implement the goals of the County. Based on previous allocations, the County anticipates receiving an estimated $4 million in CDBG funds from HUD. A maximum of 15% of available funds may be used for economic development activities.
What is the process to apply for CDBG Economic Development grants?
You can download an application from this website or contact Alicia Smith at (925) 335-1262. Applications are usually available in October and due in December; please check our calendar for exact dates.
CDBG staff will review the application based on the following criteria:
Consistency with priorities identified in the FY 2000/2004 Consolidated Plan
Eligibility under federal regulations
Target population and alleviation of needs
Feasibility and costs effectiveness
Proposed match and leveraging of other resources
Experience
Readiness
Environmental Issues
Priorities and outcomes as identified by the Board of Supervisors.
Staff reviews are forwarded to the Finance Committee of the Board of Supervisors with funding recommendations submitted to the Board of Supervisors for their approval in May.
What kind of Match do I need to receive funds?
All projects are equired to provide matching funds. The match required for CDBG funds is dependent on the applicant category:
Non-profits are required to provide a 10% match
Public Agencies a 25% match
For-profit entities a 100% match.
CDBG matching funds may be in the form of public or private, federal state, or local resources. CDBG funds acquired from other entitlement jurisdictions may not be eligible for use for matching funds
What is the Program Timeline?
The funding rounds begins in October of each year. The grant application deadline is typically in December of each year. CDBG Staff reivews the application and awards will be announced in May with funds available in July.
Does Contra Costa County provide assistance in the preparation of a grant application?
All applicants are encouraged to attend a technical assistance workshop for the CDBG Economic Development category, which is held before each application deadline (please check our Calendar for the exact date and time). The purpose of the workshop is to provide applicants with assistance in completing the application, and to provide information and any needed clarification on the CDBG program.
Copies of this application are available for download or by e-mail in Word 2000. To arrange for a disc copy of this application, additional information, or applications for Housing, Public Service, Economic Development, or Public Facilites/Infrastructure, please call Alicia Smith at (925) 335-1262.
One original and five copies of the application must be submitted no later than the due date specified in our Calendar (usually in December) to the following address
Bob Calkins
CDBG Program Manager
Contra Costa County - Community Development Department
651 Pine Street, 5th Floor, North Wing
Martinez, CA 94553-0095
If you are unable to attend the November workshop and would like additional information, or if you have questions about the Community Development Block Grant Program or this application please call Bob Calkins at (925) 335-1260 or Gabriel Lemus at (925) 335-1259.