Planning and Development: Community Development

Phone Number

Street rehabilitation project in Blue Island, Illinois.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is the primary community development program of the federal government, and is funded by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The main objective of the CDBG program is the development of viable communities including decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. Cook County uses its CDBG funding primarily to support capital improvement projects (e.g., roads, sewers, facilities) and social services, including homeless prevention/intervention, development of public-private partnerships and planning in suburban Cook County.

Key Milestones

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was enacted to respond to the growing effects of the public health crisis caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). The CARES Act included special allocations of both Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) and Emergency Solutions Grant Coronavirus (ESG-CV) funding. Find out more.

Infrastructure Improvements

37 grants - $6.2 million in construction for 2020 that support a wide range of projects proposed by municipalities
Supported $51 million of capital improvement projects since 2011
Projects include roads, sewers, sidewalks, community facilities

Social Programs

$1.6 million of service grants currently underway in 2020
Over $13 million invested since 2011 to community organizations that help find solutions for those in need.
Projects include shelter and support services for the homeless, housing counseling, food pantries, youth programs

According to the HUD website, the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program provides funding to:

Engage homeless individuals and families living on the street;
Improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families;
Help operate these shelters;
Provide essential services to shelter residents;
Rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families; and
Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.

Please note – Per HUD regulations, Cook County community development funding for programs and projects is restricted to suburban Cook County. The City of Chicago has their own CDBG and ESG Programs.

For more information, please contact Susan Campbell, Director, Planning and Development at (312) 603-1000, e-mail Susan.Campbell@cookcountyil.gov.