Oak Park, Illinois Village Departments -- Community Development and Planning

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Community Planning & Development

Community Development Block Grants | Historic Preservation | Planned Development | Planning | Zoning

2013 cycle begins May 4
Community Development Block Grants and Emergency Solutions Grants

Each year the Village of Oak Park receives an allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). CDBG funds are intended to support a wide variety of community and economic development activities directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development and improved community facilities and services. The purpose of the federally funded, but locally administered CDBG program is to develop and provide decent housing and a suitable living environment, and expand economic opportunities for persons of low and moderate income.

Organizations, including for-profits and state or federally certified not-for-profit agencies, are eligible to apply for CDBG grants through the Village. ESG funding is available only for providers of services that are related to homelessness or homelessness assistance. Proposals for both CDBG and ESG grants typically are available in early May of each year for the following year's funding cycle. Eligible CDBG activities include public services, facility improvements, housing and economic and infrastructure development. Eligible ESG activities include homeless and transitional shelter operations and homeless prevention activities.

The Village's Community Development Citizen Advisory Commission reviews grant applications and makes recommendations to the Village Board for funding. First time applicants and existing grantees with new projects are encouraged to meet with Village CDBG/ESG staff to determine preliminary project eligibility and receive technical guidance. The general timeline for the annual process is as follows:

• May – Applications available (look for link along right margin of this page)
• June – Completed applications due in Community Planning & Development Department
• June – Staff reviews applications
• July – Community Development Citizens Advisory Committee (CDCAC) reviews applications
• July – Applicant oral presentations
• August – Applicant oral presentations
• August – CDCAC working session(s)
• August – Applicant comment on recommended awards
• September – CDCAC presents recommendations to Village Board
• October – Draft Action Plan available for public comment
• November – Village Board approves Final Action Plan
• December – HUD approves Action Plan
• Spring – Village receives grant funds from HUD

For more information or to schedule an appointment to discuss eligibility, call 708.358.5419 or 708.358.5416, or e-mail the Community Planning & Development Department .