By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
March 9, 2011

Since 1974, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) have aided Kansas City in offering a number of programs like youth services and property renovations for non-profit agencies and homeowners.

However, that funding may soon disappear.

During a March 3 City of Kansas City Council meeting, council members discussed the future of the CDBG program and its affect on Kansas City.

To receive federal funding for community development and housing programs, Kansas City is required to submit a One Year Action Plan each year to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in accordance with the amended National Affordable Housing Act of 1990.

Council members approved the 2011 Action Plan, which is asking HUD to help finance four programs for the city, CDBG Program, the HOME Investment Partnership Act Program, Emergency Shelter Grant Program and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids Program.

“It’s not enough funding to fund all the projects from the various requests we had,” council member Melba Curls said.

Council member John Sharp agreed, but said, “We’re very glad we were able to provide some funding for the Mattie Rhodes Center through this process. I think this is a fair portion of the funds and hopefully, all areas of the city that face such dire need are getting some assistance through this program.”

Council member Sharon Sanders Brooks warned the council some of these funds may disappear in the future.

Brooks then presented a resolution regarding proposed funding cuts to the CDBG program. The resolution will be sent to Missouri delegates and President Barack Obama, urging Obama and Congress to reconsider the proposed drastic budget cuts to the CDBG program.

Since CDBG’s inception in 1974, Kansas City has received annual funding through the program, the resolution said.

“Funding has been greatly needed and over just the past few years had been successfully utilized for a wide array of projects and activities,” Deputy City Clerk Marilyn Sanders read, “including the development of affordable rental housing including Grand Boulevard Lofts and St. Joseph Place; the provision of various public services… to over 50,000 direct beneficiaries; the renovation of prominent historic structures…”

Other benefits listed included renovating and expanding public facilities operated by nonprofit agencies and providing financial assistance to more than 600 low income owner-occupants to renovate homes, youth services, senior services, housing counseling services, among other projects.

Brooks reiterated the resolution, stressing that President Barack Obama has proposed a 7.5 percent budget cut ($300 million) to the CDBG program for Fiscal Year 2012. In addition, she said, on Feb. 19, 2011, the U.S. House passed a spending bill to cut CDBG’s budget by 62.5 percent ($2.5 billion) for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011.

“This is a very important issue,” Brooks said. “A lot of people may not be aware of CDBG by its name, but they have experienced and benefited from the program no matter what council district they live in.”

Sharp thanked Brooks for raising awareness on how budget cuts to CDBG could affect Kansas City and other areas.

Council member Ed Ford said the resolution was well-written, but omitted a key item. Ford said the resolution needed to stress that CDBG funding is a “safety net” for citizens.

“Even in lean times, there’s that safety net (through CDBG) and this (funding cuts) leaves a big hole in that net,” Ford said.

Sanders noted the change and the council approved the amended resolution and its submission to President Obama and Missouri Congress members and senators.