Where Community Development Block Grants Money Goes

A Forbes contributor provides analysis of how much states stand to lose if the Trump Administration succeeds in cutting funding for the Community Development Block Grants program.

1 minute read

April 12, 2017, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Children

Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock

Erik Sherman reports on the potential impact to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program should cuts proposed by the Trump Administration's budget "blueprint" gain approval.

While much of the social media outcry following the budget announcement focused on concern for Meals on Wheels programs (concerns Sherman says were misplaced in a separate article), the underreported consequence of cuts to CDBG could impact every state in the country.

CDBG is a series of block grants made to states and municipalities. Local organizations parcel out the funds, which are integral to the operation of many community-based non-profits. They include local groups that provide meals to seniors, daycare centers for people of low income (many local Head Start programs, for example), network revitalization, economic development, infrastructure and public services, and more. Is there waste? Perhaps. Is there good done? From what I've seen, yes.

Sherman does his own analysis (in lieu of the Trump Administration undertaking the same effort) to figure out the total grants made to entities in each state, and calculated the CDBG funding per capita in each. A few findings from those results: cuts to the CDBG program would affect populous states the most. 

Tuesday, April 11, 2017 in Forbes

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

7 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

May 14 - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

May 14 - Smart Cities Dive