PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's Office of Community Development is preparing to write its 2025 annual action plan and 2025-2029, five-year consolidated plan, which will determine how the city allocates its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds next year and over the next five years. 

 

CDBG funds are provided annually to Pittsfield through an entitlement grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

 

The required plans are designed to help states and local jurisdictions assess their affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions to make data-driven, place-based investment decisions. The consolidated planning process serves as the framework for a communitywide dialogue to identify housing and community development priorities that align and focus funding from the CDBG formula block grant program.

 

To engage the entire community in this critical conversation, the city is holding a public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. at the Berkshire Athenaeum at 1 Wendell Ave. to gather input on the city's greatest priority needs that can be addressed with CDBG funds.

 

Additionally, an online survey here is available now through Feb. 27. The information provided will assist in the development of both plans. This survey should take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

 

Under Federal guidelines, at least 70 percent of CDBG funds must be used to benefit low- and moderate- income individuals. Each funded activity must meet one of three national objectives: 1) benefits low- and moderate-income individuals, 2) aids in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or 3) addresses an urgent need that poses a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community which occurred within the last 18 months and for which other funding is not available.

 

For questions related to the plans or the survey, or to request accommodations at the public hearing, contact Nate Joyner in the Pittsfield Department of Community Development at njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org or 413-499-9358.