CDBG Advisory Committee

Member Year Appointed Term Expires  
Paul Goulston 2017 2020  
Andrew Grant - Thomas 2018 2021  
Gail Lansky 2016 2018  
Nathanael Larson 2018 2020  
Keith Nesbitt 2018 2020  
Vacant (2)      

NEW: 2018 GRANT PROCESS
February 8, 2018 Public Hearing Notice--Public Comments on Final Funding Recommendations
View 2018 CDBG Proposals

2018 Non-social Service Request for Proposals
2018 Social Service Request for Proposals
Updated Community Development Strategy Dec. 14, 2017 

 December 12th, 7 PM, Town Room, Town Hall
Public Hearing to receive comments on the draft Community Development Strategy, target areas, and funding priorities.
Click to download: Draft strategy
Click to download: Draft target areas
Click to download: Public Hearing Notice 

December 15th
Request for Proposals for Non-social Service Activities and Social Service Activities will be available.

January 24th, noon, Town Hall
Proposals are due to the 2nd floor of Town Hall

January 30, 7 PM, Town Room, Town Hall
Public Meeting for CDBG Advisory Committee to review and prioritize proposals.  These recommendations will be reviewed by the Town Manager.

February 8, 7 PM, Glass Room, Bangs Community Center
Public Hearing for CDBG Advisory Committee to receive comments on recommended activities

March 2
CDBG applications due to Mass DHCD
 

Introduction


For Federal Fiscal Year 2018, 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 February-March. 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