Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the CDBG topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners authorize HUD CDBG entitlement participation amid public confusion over 'urban' label
Summary
Lorain County approved a resolution authorizing participation as an urban county in HUD's Community Development Block Grant entitlement program; commissioners said the designation provides direct federal funding but has caused public confusion over the meaning of "urban."
The board authorized the interim county administrator to submit documents and execute agreements for Lorain County to participate as an urban county in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement program.
A committee member explained that entitlement status would let the county receive CDBG funds directly from HUD rather than routing through the state, potentially increasing capacity for projects that meet low- and moderate-income (LMI) criteria. The speaker acknowledged confusion in some communities about the word "urban," saying the label does not mean the county would redirect funds away from townships or villages that opt out. Another commissioner said pursuing the status serves communities that requested access to those funds, while clarifying that communities may decline federal participation if they choose. The resolution passed by voice vote.
County staff said strict HUD rules would govern project eligibility and that the county has a history of funding roughly 100 projects in past cycles and declining over 200 due to limited funds; entitlement status is presented as a way to expand resources for eligible projects.
