GOVERNOR MCKEE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING ANNOUNCE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING APPLICATION PERIOD FOR MUNICIPALITIES
Published on Wednesday, March 12, 2025
PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Housing today announced that municipalities can now apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to support public facility and infrastructure improvements, as well as essential service projects. Applications for this competitive funding round will be accepted until May 23, 2025.
"This funding is a critical step in our continued effort to build stronger, more resilient communities across Rhode Island," said Governor McKee. "By investing in public facilities, infrastructure, and essential services, we are not only improving the quality of life for Rhode Islanders but also laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and opportunity, which is a top priority for my administration. We encourage municipalities to take advantage of this program to help address local needs and ensure that every Rhode Islander has access to safe, affordable housing and the services they deserve."
Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the CDBG program is a federal initiative that provides annual grants to states, cities, and counties. These grants are designed to help develop sustainable communities by improving housing, creating safe and suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities, particularly for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.
Over the past two years, HUD has allocated approximately $10M in CDBG funds to Rhode Island. At least 30% of this allocation, $3M, will be set aside for the competitive process, aimed at supporting public facilities, infrastructure, and essential services on the local level.
“Today’s announcement marks another important opportunity for supporting municipalities to grow housing options and services in line with our statewide housing goals,” said Deborah Goddard, Secretary of Housing. “The CDBG program plays a vital role in providing funding for housing, economic development, and infrastructure improvements, all of which contribute to enhancing the quality of life for Rhode Islanders. We look forward to the positive outcomes these grants will bring to our communities.”
The State of Rhode Island manages the CDBG program for the 33 municipalities that do not receive direct HUD allocations. Cities such as Cranston, East Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick, and Woonsocket, which are classified as “Entitlement” communities, administer their own programs independently. State-administered funds are distributed to local governments, which then direct resources to nonprofit organizations and other entities to carry out eligible projects.
Additional information regarding the CDBG application process and eligibility can be found on the Department of Housing's website. For further inquiries related to the CDBG application process, please contact Michael Tondra, Director of Community Development, at Michael.tondra@housing.ri.gov or 401-222-6490.