The Program Year 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the Town of Cicero, Illinois is a federally funded initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program provides annual formula grants to support the development of viable urban communities by ensuring access to decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities—primarily for low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents.

To qualify for this funding, the Town of Cicero develops a Five-Year Consolidated Plan, along with Annual Action Plans, and tracks progress through a Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report (CAPER). The application materials and subsequent approved projects will directly inform the content of Cicero’s Annual Action Plan. Applicants may submit multiple proposals, but each project must be proposed separately with its own application.

For PY25, the CDBG application deadline is April 7, 2025, by 12:00 PM Central Time. Proposals must be complete and submitted either via email to amarquez@thetownofcicero.com or by physical delivery to the Town of Cicero, Department of Housing, addressed to Argelia Marquez, Assistant Grant Administrator at 1634 S. Laramie Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.

The Town of Cicero has defined four priority areas within its CDBG Program:

Expand the supply of safe, decent, and affordable housing

Provide safe housing free from lead hazards

Improve services to non-homeless LMI Cicero residents and those with special needs

Strengthen the community’s living environment through public facility improvements

Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of eligibility (activity type and national objectives), effectiveness (impact per dollar), organizational capacity, and alignment with the 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan. All projects must meet at least one of HUD’s national objectives: benefiting LMI individuals or areas, addressing slum/blight conditions, or meeting urgent needs.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local development corporations, public agencies, and for-profit entities. Projects may cover a wide range of services and improvements, such as public services (e.g., youth services, legal services), public facilities (e.g., youth centers, street improvements), or economic development. Funding requests must be rounded to the nearest $50, and a detailed project budget is required.

Applicants must demonstrate an inclusive and non-discriminatory client selection process, and if the project is affiliated with a religious organization, community-wide access must be ensured. The proposal must include clear project objectives, expected outcomes (availability/accessibility, affordability, or sustainability), and measurable goals with timelines.

For further information or technical assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact Argelia Marquez at amarquez@thetownofcicero.com or by phone at 708-656-8223.