This week, April 1-5, 2024, the City of Knoxville Housing and Neighborhood Development Department joins communities across the country celebrating National Community Development Week and the 50th anniversary of the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
On April 3, department staff members, including Housing and Neighborhood Development Director Kevin DuBose, will volunteer to help build an accessible ramp-with Knoxville Leadership Foundation’s Operation Backyard program, which provides services to local homeowners to ensure they can access their homes safely regardless of their mobility needs.
“Helping residents stay in their homes is a major way we use CDBG funds to support low- to moderate-income neighbors,” says DuBose.
Since the City became a recipient of CDBG funds in 1989, it has used those dollars to provide emergency and minor home repairs, including accessibility modifications. From 2002-2022, 4,268 households have received free critical home repairs, which largely benefit seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Residents can review the
2024 Draft Annual Action Plan and provide feedback online, via email and in person at a public meeting on April 23, at 5:30 pm at the Public Works Service Center (3131 Morris Avenue). City staff will present the plan, which governs funding for affordable housing and non-housing community development activities starting July 1, 2024.
Along with the disbursement of CDBG funds, the City’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Office administers a variety of initiatives and supports activities that support of Knoxville's low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. These programs improve housing opportunities for lower income homeowners, tenants, and homebuyers; help return abandoned, vacant and deteriorated properties to useful purposes; assist organizations serving Knoxville’s homeless population; provide workforce development; and jumpstart economic development for low- to moderate-income areas along primary commercial corridors.
Follow the City’s social media accounts this week and throughout 2024 as we share CDBG facts and document volunteer events in honor of the 50th anniversary.
Learn more about the City’s use of CDBG funds at
KnoxvilleTN.gov/Development. Residents interested in learning more about CDBG or other programs offered by the Housing and Neighborhood Development Office may contact the office at 865-215-2120.