Municipalities

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) / HOME

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and Home Opportunities (HOME) Program are housed in the Planning and Evaluation Unit of the Dane County Department of Human Services. The Unit works through community-based groups on projects to strengthen communities and to expand opportunities for low-and-moderate income households throughout Dane County. The Unit invests in community-based groups that forward the priorities to:

• Create decent, affordable housing
• Create suitable living environments
• Expand economic opportunities

The 13-member Dane County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Commision provides oversight for the CDBG program. The Commission is charged with addressing policy issues related to housing and community development and with recommending eligible projects, activities, and contracts to the County Board of Supervisors and County Executive.

To receive its annual entitlement grants, Dane County must develop and submit to HUD its Consolidated Plan which is the County's comprehensive planning document and application for funding. In its Consolidated Plan, the County must identify its goals for these programs, as well as, for housing programs. The Consolidated Plan must be developed with extensive citizen participation as outlined in the Citizen Participation Plan. The Citizen Participation Plan provides for and encourages public participation, emphasizing involvement by low and moderate-income people. Dane County also encourages participation of minorities, people who do not speak English, and people with disabilities.

Dane County receives approximately $1.7 million annually in CDBG, HOME, and ADDI funds. Funds are to be used for housing, economic development, and community service initiatives for people with low to moderate incomes. Funds are awarded on a competitive basis and are available to municipalities, as well as, not-for-profit and for-profit entities.