The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) offers grants to eligible Missouri communities to engage in revitalization efforts to renew downtown areas and restore them to their former prominence as a center of community activity.
Notice:
Request for Public Input: Downtown Revitalization Grant Program
Public Comment Period Open from May 18 to June 19, 2023
Downtown areas help define communities and invigorate tourism. The Department of Economic Development (DED) administers the Downtown Revitalization Program to assist with impactful downtown improvement projects to revitalize the cultural heartbeat of communities through redevelopment. These projects would eliminate slum and blight conditions on the front and selected side facades of eligible buildings in core downtown areas. DED is requesting public feedback on proposed changes to its Downtown Revitalization Grant Program.
The proposed changes would allow Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to be used for facade improvements and to correct code violations for blighted, privately-owned commercial buildings in a downtown target area. CDBG has worked with internal and external stakeholders to identify challenges with the current program structure and is providing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed application guidelines and policy that reflects feedback.
While all comments will be accepted and considered, CDBG is looking for comments regarding:
- Process of identifying target areas and buildings to be included;
- Application maximums and match requirements; and
- Clarity of guidance on how to work with private property owners.
Public comments will be accepted from May 18, 2023, until 5 p.m. on June 19, 2023. Documents will be finalized and applications will begin to be accepted by the end of the summer. Comments should be sent to mocdbg@ded.mo.gov. Policy and guidelines are available here.