The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is under the microscope. As the Trump Administration considers eliminating the program, the Urban Institute recommends a less-is-more approach.
"In a policy brief published last week, the Urban Institute recommends changing the eligibility rules so that CDBG funding would be spread across fewer communities, providing greater assistance to low- and moderate-income neighborhoods," writes J.B. Wogan.
The report follows news that the Trump Administration budget blueprint would eliminate funding for the program. Among the recommendations included in the Urban Institute's report: an increased amount of funding for a program that has been reduced to $3 billion annually in 2015, from a high of $15 billion in the late 1970s. The number of communities that qualify for CDBG funding in that time has also increased dramatically—86 percent since 1980, according to the report.
According to Wogan, the Urban Institute's recommendations for reform of the CDBG program mirrors that of the Obama Administration in 2013—those recommendations were opposed, however, by groups who represent CDBG recipients. Any recommendation that would reduce the number of possible grantees is likely to encounter opposition for the foreseeable future.
FULL STORY: Is It Time to Adopt a Less-Is-More Approach to Community Development Block Grants?

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

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

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.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide
How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

‘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.

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities
An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions