On December 20, 2022, the HUD released two new Requests for Information (RFIs) on how to simplify, modernize, and more equitably distribute critical disaster recovery funds: Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) and Mitigation (CDBG-MIT). The requests for public feedback is part of HUD’s Climate Action Plan, which emphasizes both equity and resilience in disaster recovery, as well as the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening low- and moderate-income communities.
According to the HUD’s press release, CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT funds focus on long-term recovery and resilience efforts, targeted to families with low- and moderate-incomes in the most impacted and distressed areas. Through CDBG-DR, HUD spends billions of dollars helping communities recover from the most devastating disasters. CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT funds are unique from other Federal disaster assistance programs as its primary purpose is to benefit low- and moderate-income communities.
According to the HUD, there is no there is no regular annual appropriation for CDBG-DR and statutory authority is provided through each appropriation. This results in delays in disbursal of funds, lack of standardization and consistency, and the need for grantees to manage multiple grants with different rules. Through the RFIS, the HUD aims to eliminate barriers and unnecessary administrative burden to be able to provide better and quicker assistance to those affected.
Read the HUD’s press release here.
The HUD’s RFI on CDBG–DR Rules, Waivers, and Alternative Requirements can be found here.
The HUD’s RFI on CDBG–DR Formula can be found here.