Community Development Block Grant

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides annual grants to States, larger cities, and counties for a broad range of activities that preserve and develop viable urban communities. The program’s principal beneficiaries are low-moderate income households. The goals of the program are to:

Provide decent, safe and sanitary housing
Provide a suitable living environment
Expand economic opportunities

The City of Pawtucket, through the Department of Planning & Redevelopment, receives federal CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on an annual basis to support the program’s goals.

The City of Pawtucket grants CDBG funding to Public Service providers.

Availability of Funds

For Program Year 23 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), the City anticipates receiving $1,800,000 in CDBG Federal Funding, depending on HUD approval.

2023-2024 Citizens Participation Guide

The City of Pawtucket encourages the participation of all its residents in deciding how best to utilize the funding from the CDBG, HOME, and ESG Programs. The Citizens Participation Guide explains the process.

Click here to download the 2023-2024 Citizens Participation Guide

Eligible Uses of Funds

CDBG Funds may be used for a wide variety of activities that address the need for new or improved public improvements and facilities, economic development opportunities, improving the supply or condition of housing, and public services.

Eligible activities can be grouped as:

Real Property and Housing-related activities:

Acquisition of land and or buildings
Disposition of land or buildings
Installation or construction of a public facility – such as a park or shelter for homeless persons - or a public improvement – such as a paved road or water/sewer system
Clearance and demolition
Interim assistance for limited activities in deteriorated areas that require immediate action
Completion of Urban Renewal projects
Acquisition, construction, installation, or improvements of privately owned utilities
Rehabilitation of properties, including:
- Privately-owned homes
- Publicly-owned residential housing
- Publicly or privately-owned commercial or industrial buildings
- Nonresidential buildings owned by nonprofits
- Manufactured housing when it is part of the permanent housing supply
Code enforcement
Historic Preservation
Renovation of closed buildings
Lead-based paint testing, evaluation, reduction, and clearance
Public Services activities
A non-exhaustive list of eligible services includes:
- Employment training
- Crime prevention
- Child care
- Health and drug abuse care and education
- Fair housing and homebuyer pre-purchase counseling
- Energy conservation
- Recreation

Economic Development Activities:

Acquisition of special economic development activities include:
Acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or installation of commercial or industrial buildings or railroad spurs
Grants, loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies to businesses
Administrative costs directly related to economic development projects
Special activities by Community-Based Community Development Organizations (CBDOs) that are part of a broader effort to revitalize a neighborhood
Assistance to micro-enterprises, such as – Loans, grants, technical assistance, or supportive services

Planning and Administration:

General Program Administration

Eligible Applicants

Public Service Providers, affordable housing sponsors and developers, public institutions, and other City Departments/Agencies.