Planning and Development: Community Development
A street rehabilitation project in Blue Island, IL.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is the primary community development program of the federal government and is funded by the U.S. Department 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
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program
The Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As explained on the HUD website, the 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 its own CDBG and ESG Programs.
Questions?
For more information on Cook County programming, please contact Susan Campbell, Director, Planning and Development at (312) 603-1000 or Susan.Campbell@cookcountyil.gov.