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New federal housing law could free up CDBG funds for Roanoke construction projects
Summary
Council briefed on the 21st Century 'Road to Housing' Act, which allows up to 20% of future CDBG allocations to be used for affordable housing construction; Roanoke's most recent allocation was cited at $1.8 million, implying up to about $365,000 could be eligible under the new rules.
A consultant briefed Roanoke council members on the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, which became law in July and, according to the presentation, allows jurisdictions to use up to 20% of future CDBG (community development block grant) allocations for the construction of affordable housing. The presenter said HUD will publish program rules over the next 6–12 months and urged the city to consider how to position projects to access new funding streams and pilots for commercial-to-residential conversion.
"The 21st Century Road to Housing Act is the largest piece of housing legislation in the generation," the presenter said, adding that Roanoke’s most recent annual CDBG allocation was cited as $1,800,000 in the presentation. Under the 20% allowance, the presenter calculated a hypothetical maximum of roughly $365,000 for housing construction from that allocation. Staff cautioned the precise uses and eligibility will be determined when HUD issues implementing guidance and recommended the city monitor rulemaking and target projects that could be competitive for those funds.
