CDBG Advisory Committee

Member Year Appointed Term Expires  
Amy Brodigan 2015 2018  
Barbara Findlen 2015 2018  
Nancy Gregg 2011 2017  
Gail Lansky 2016 2018  
Mary Jane Laus 2011 2017  
Claude Tellier, Chair 2011 2017  
Vacant      

NEW:

May 2, 2017 Public Hearing to learn about status of current activities from the 2015 and 2016 grants.  Hearing starts at 7 PM in the First Floor Meeting Room, Town Hall.



 
 2017 Recommended Proposals
 2017 Proposals--can be viewed and downloaded from this webpage
 
  

Documents


2017 Social Service Request for Proposals
2017 Non-social Service Request for Proposals
2017 Community Development Strategy
2017 Map of Target Areas and Income-eligible Block Groups
October 25 Public Hearing Notice

Meeting Dates and Application Timeline


October 25, 7 PM, Community Room, Police Station
    Public hearing on draft Community Development Strategy

November 15, 7 PM, First Floor Meeting Room
    Review public hearing comments and determine funding priorities

November 21, 2016
     Solicit Request for Proposals for activities

January 6, 2017 at 12 PM
    Proposals due to staff
 
January 18, 7 PM, Community Room, Police Station
    CDBG Advisory Committee to review proposals and make recommendations for funding to  
    the Town Manager
 
February 23, 2017, 7 PM, South Meeting Room, Bangs Center
      Public Hearing to announce final funding recommendations and receive public comments

March 10, 2017
     Town's CDBG application due to DHCD
  

Introduction


For Federal Fiscal Year 2017, Amherst can apply to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for a Mini-entitlement Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grant.  Each year the Town can apply to receive federal funds administered by the state, which are awarded primarily to projects, programs, and services that improve the lives of Amherst's low- and moderate-income residents (defined as individuals or families whose annual income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income as determined by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban development (HUD), and be located in an identified neighborhood or target area. 

Application Process


Amherst must apply each year to DHCD to receive the funding with applications typically due in mid-February. The CDBG Advisory Committee, with assistance from Town staff, oversees the public input process by holding public hearings and public meetings so that Amherst residents and boards & committees have an opportunity discuss priorities and target areas. The CDBG Advisory Committee also solicits proposals from the community to help determine which projects receive funding. These proposals can be submitted by various parties, including but not limited to a single individual (i.e. a developer), a Town board / committee, or a non-profit organization. Those interested in making a funding request are encouraged to contact the CDBG Advisory Committee and Town staff.

During the application process, Amherst citizens have an opportunity to discuss the following components of the Town's application to DHCD:
  1. Community Development Strategy - Summarizes various planning documents used by the Town and outlines a plan of action intended to accomplish specific community development goals that will have a positive impact in Amherst, especially low and moderate income residents. 
  2. List of Priority Projects and Activities - A list of town-wide projects, whether or not they are eligible CDBG activities, that the Town has identified with goals and timeline for completion.
  3. Map of Target Areas - Identifies areas in Town that are a priority to receive funding that are in accordance with the Community Development Strategy.
  4. Project Proposals - Submitted to the CDBG Advisory Committee (by citizens, committees, organizations, etc.) for review and prioritization as part of the Town's CDBG application.  

Project Proposal Submission Guidelines: 


  • National Objective - Does the project serve a majority low- and moderate-income population?
  • Location - Is proposed project in a Target Area?
  • Detailed Budget - Itemized budget for the project, including total budget and all other sources of funding
  • Feasibility - Can the project be completed within the allotted time?
  • Project Description - narrative description of the project
  • Project Need - Clear outline of need for project
  • Project Impact - Description of positive impact of project on identified needs of community
  • Community Involvement - Demonstrate the support of other Amherst Town boards and committees with responsibility over relevant public interest. 
  • Demonstrate consistency with the Community Development Strategy
  • Demonstrate consistency with Amherst's Master Plan
  • Provide supporting document as necessary  
     

Application Guidelines and Documents


DHCD Webpage