CDBG

This year, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, administered by housing planner Christine Gordon in the City's Community and Economic Development department, is focusing on four areas as part of its 2007/2008 Action Plan. For those of you not familiar with the CDBG program, West Des Moines has been an entitlement community under this U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) sponsored program since 2005. The City qualifies because it is a local government with 50,000 or more residents.

In addition to administrative costs, this year’s CDBG Action Plan proposes funding for the Transitional Housing Program, Transit Pass Program, and the acquisition of Historic City Hall on 5th Street.

The Transitional Housing Program will continue to support two housing units. This funding is typically utilized to support the cost of rent and utilities.

The Transit Pass Program provides individuals or families with a one-year unlimited pass for DART. Qualified applicants can use the system throughout the entire metro area for access to employment, shopping and medical facilities. For FY 2005/2006, 130 passes were provided.

Acquisition of Historic City Hall is an exciting project for the City and will take place over two years, making this significant building the property of the City once again. At the May 21 City Council Meeting, the Council approved the Installment Contract for purchase of this building, which is located at 137 Fifth Street. Additional remodeling and rehabilitation will be necessary to create a useful space--many options for public use have been discussed, including a museum, City photo gallery, and small business center. I will write more about the plans for this building as they are finalized.