The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program to provide financial resources to communities for addressing a variety of local development needs. The CDBG program distributes annual grants to entitlement communities based on a formula that considers factors such as population size and income levels. The primary goal of this program is to create viable communities by ensuring access to decent housing, fostering a suitable living environment, and promoting economic opportunities, especially for low- and moderate-income individuals.

The CDBG program aligns with three national objectives: providing direct benefits to low- to moderate-income households, preventing or eliminating slums or blight, and addressing urgent community needs. The Cobb County CDBG Program Office annually solicits applications from local nonprofit organizations and government entities for projects aimed at community improvement. The funding cycle for this grant is set to cover the period from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. Applications will be reviewed for compliance by a selection committee, which will make funding recommendations to the Cobb County Board of Commissioners in November.

The CDBG Public Facilities & Improvement Funds can be allocated for a range of activities, including public facilities and infrastructure improvements such as land acquisition, commercial or residential rehabilitation, removal of architectural barriers for accessibility, construction and reconstruction, equipment installation, and water and sewer projects. Additionally, economic development activities, such as business incubator construction, technical assistance for businesses facing bankruptcy, and job training for low-income individuals, are eligible for funding. Housing-related activities such as single-family home rehabilitation, historic preservation, and lead-based paint hazard reduction are also eligible.

To qualify for CDBG funding, at least 51% of the project beneficiaries must be low- to moderate-income individuals as defined by HUD. HUD’s 2024 income limits for Cobb County provide guidance on income eligibility, with income caps set for one- to eight-person households. Projects that meet the criteria for area benefit activities, limited clientele activities, economic development, or housing improvements may be eligible for funding. Each project must demonstrate that it serves an area where at least 51% of residents are low- to moderate-income or that it directly benefits a qualifying population group.

The 2024 Strategic Plan Assessment for Cobb County identified key barriers to economic and housing stability, including employment and education gaps, income inequality, substance abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, housing insecurity, and mental health challenges. In response, the Cobb County CDBG Program Office has established funding priorities for the 2026 grant cycle to address these pressing community needs. The plan emphasizes housing stability, mental health services, job training, and economic development to foster long-term resilience in the community.

Eligible applicants must submit a complete proposal demonstrating how their projects align with CDBG goals and community priorities. The selection committee will assess applications based on eligibility, compliance, and impact on low- to moderate-income populations. While specific deadlines for submission have not been explicitly stated, funding decisions will be finalized by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners in November 2025. Applicants should ensure they meet all HUD criteria and provide comprehensive documentation to strengthen their application’s chances of approval.