Community Development Block Grant
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
What is the CDBG Program?
The Utah Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to eligible Utah cities with populations under 50,000 and counties with populations under 200,000. The program is designed to assist communities in developing viable neighborhoods by providing decent housing, creating suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities, particularly for low- and moderate-income residents.
The Five County Association of Governments administers the CDBG program on behalf of the State of Utah Housing and Community Development Division for Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, and Washington counties. Since 1982, Five County AOG has managed $26 million in CDBG funding.
Each year, approximately $1 million is available to support community development and infrastructure projects that address local needs and improve quality of life throughout the region.
Am I Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Incorporated cities and towns with populations under 50,000
- Counties with populations under 200,000
- Local governments located within the Five County Association of Governments service area
Applicants must also comply with Utah’s Moderate Income Housing planning and annual reporting requirements when applicable.
Who Cannot Apply?
The following entities are not eligible to apply directly:
- HUD entitlement cities and counties
- Tribal governments (who receive funding directly from HUD)
- Nonprofit organizations
- Housing authorities
- Special service districts
However, nonprofits, housing authorities, and special districts may participate as project partners by working through an eligible city or county applicant.
When Do I Apply?
Stage 1: Prepare & Plan
Begin preparing your project before the application opens.
During this stage:
- Review the annual Rating & Ranking Criteria.
- Attend the mandatory How to Apply Workshop hosted by FCAOG.
- Meet with FCAOG staff to discuss project eligibility.
- Hold the required public hearing to gather community input.
- Develop your project scope, budget, and supporting documentation.
Stage 2: Apply
Submit your completed application through WebGrants.
Key milestones:
- Optional application review by FCAOG staff.
- Final application deadline (typically late January).
- Ensure all required forms and supporting documents are submitted before the deadline.
Stage 3: Review & Award
Applications are evaluated and funding decisions are made.
During this stage:
- Applications are reviewed and scored using the Regional Rating & Ranking Criteria.
- Funding recommendations are submitted to the State.
- Applicants receive award or non-award notifications.
- Awarded communities attend the mandatory Grantee Workshop.
- Complete environmental review and other pre-contract requirements.
- Receive the State’s Notice to Proceed before spending any grant funds.
Stage 4: Implement Your Project
Once all requirements are complete and the Notice to Proceed has been issued, projects may begin.
During implementation:
- Execute the grant agreement.
- Begin project construction or activities.
- Submit required reports and reimbursement requests.
- Complete the project in accordance with CDBG requirements.
How Do I Apply?
The Five County Association of Governments provides technical assistance throughout the application process.
Before You Begin
Applicants should:
- Discuss project eligibility with Five County staff
- Review current CDBG Policies and Procedures
- Gather cost estimates
- Complete required planning documents
- Coordinate with project partners
- Prepare engineering or architectural information if applicable
Application Resources
Applicants can access:
- Application Policy and Procedures Manual
- Annual Action Plan
- CDBG Public Hearing – 1st Public Hearing Templates
- CDBG Public Hearing – 2nd Public Hearing Templates
- Certification of Expenditures
- CDBG Grantee Handbook
- Required Certifications
- Public Hearing Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
Need assistance?
Our staff is available to help communities develop competitive applications before submission.
What Happens After I Apply?
Applications submitted within the Five County region are reviewed through a competitive process designed to ensure projects address the greatest community needs.
Regional Rating & Ranking
Projects are evaluated by the Regional Rating and Ranking Committee (RRC), which considers factors such as:
- Community need
- Project readiness
- Financial feasibility
- Health and safety impacts
- Benefit to low- and moderate-income residents
- Leveraging of other funding sources
- Long-term community impact
The committee makes funding recommendations to the State of Utah.
State Review
Following regional review, the Utah Housing and Community Development Division evaluates applications for:
- Program eligibility
- Federal compliance
- Environmental requirements
- Financial review
- Final funding approval
Five County continues to provide technical assistance during project administration to help ensure successful project completion and compliance with federal requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers the program?
The Utah Housing and Community Development Division administers the State Small Cities CDBG Program. The Five County Association of Governments provides regional assistance and coordinates the regional review process.
Is matching funding required?
Some projects are more competitive when local or partner funding is included. Matching funds may vary depending on the project type.
Can special districts apply?
Not directly. Special districts must partner with an eligible city or county that serves as the grant applicant.
Can nonprofit organizations receive funding?
Yes, but only through an eligible city or county serving as the grant recipient.
Can Five County staff help prepare our application?
Yes. Five County staff provide technical assistance, answer eligibility questions, and assist communities throughout the application process.
Contact Us
Our Community Development staff are available to help communities identify eligible projects and prepare competitive applications.
Contact us to discuss your project before you begin the application process:
Mike Johnson
CED Program Manager
Phone: (435) 673-3548, extension 165
Email: mjohnson@fivecounty.utah.gov
