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1. What is Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)?

CDBG is a Program authorized by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 in place of several community development categorical grant programs. CDBG provides eligible metropolitan cities and urban counties (called ‘entitlement communities’) with annual direct grants that they can use to revitalize neighborhoods, expand affordable housing and economic opportunities, and/or improve community facilities and services, principally to benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

2. Who do I contact if I see a dilapidated house that need to be torn down?

The demolition process starts with a call to the Neighborhood Services Superintendent at 903-487-5988. The Inspection Official will then determine if the structure is eligible for demolition under one of the city’s programs. Location of the house determines what funds will be used to demolish the structure. The length of time for the demolition varies greatly due to a number of circumstances. The most time-consuming task is to contact all of the people who might have an ownership in the property and have them sign a release to demolish the house. This task alone can take up to six months or more.

3. How do I become a Community Development Block Grant subrecipient?

Contact the Grants Coordinator’s office at 903-487-5976 for information on current funding availability and info on the process. Public services agencies provide an invaluable opportunity for the low- to moderate-income Sherman residents by offering diverse services that impact their quality of life. Every age group from the elderly to the youth benefits from services provided by nonprofits funded by the Community Development Block Grant.

4. Can citizens participate in the planning/decision-making process around the use of CDBG funds?

The CDBG law requires that a grantee must develop and follow a detailed plan which emphasizes participation by persons of low- or moderate- income, particularly residents of predominantly low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, slum or blighted areas, and area in which the grantee proposes to use CDBG funds. The plan must provide citizens with reasonable and timely access to local meetings, information and records related to the grantee’s proposed and actual use of funds.