The Community Development Division is committed to making the City of Concord and its neighborhoods better places to live, work, and play. Through the efforts of this Division, the City strives to provide safe, decent, affordable housing, a suitable living environment and economic opportunities, specifically for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities. The City has several programs in place to accomplish this goal. These programs are federally funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Act Programs.
Clearwater Arts Center & Studios
CDBG funds are being used to create a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization with the Gibson Village community.
The first phase of renovations to Clearwater Arts Center & Studios, the city’s former electric operations center, is complete. Artists are currently leasing nine studios from which they work to create, teach, and sell art. A 2,200 square foot gallery enables the artists to hold exhibitions of their work.
Site improvements have been completed. The next phase of the improvements will include further renovation of interior space within the site. Once fully renovated, Clearwater Arts Center & Studios will contain over 30 studios, a gallery, a community market space, and a café. The adjacent Village Greenway and open space will offer opportunities for outdoor concerts and events.
For more information, visit clearwaterartists.com.
News/Events
News
>> New Special Enrollment Periods for HealthCare.gov and Some State-based Marketplaces
A new Special Enrollment Period (SEP) [is] available to all HealthCare.gov consumers from February 15 - May 15, 2021. Several states with their own Marketplaces have announced SEPs as well. Learn More.
>> Community Gardens Can Help Increase Food Security
In the leadership message, director of PD&R’s International and Philanthropic Affairs Division Cynthia Campbell discusses the role that community gardens can play in combating food insecurity, a problem that is on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. In her discussion, Campbell highlights several innovative food access programs involving community and home gardens, distribution of or collection from fruit trees, and other direct-production methods of generating fresh food. Learn More.
>> COVID-19 Risk Factors Among HUD-Assisted Renters
In the trending article, Janet Li of PD&R’s Public Finance and Regulatory Analysis Division discusses HUD-assisted tenants and this population’s risk of contracting or becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. Using data from HUD’s Picture of Subsidized Households and the American Housing Survey, Li examines how HUD-assisted renters compare to the general population in terms of the prevalence of health risk factors such as advanced age. Li concludes that HUD-assisted tenants, and those eligible for but not receiving assistance, are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 risks. Learn More.
Events
>> March 29, 2021 – April 16, 2021
The City of Concord requests your input to determine how the City of Concord should best use its HUD federal allocations. The City will provide a link for the survey in the coming weeks. Please consider providing feedback once the link is available.
>> April 2, 2021
The City’s offices will be closed in observance of the Easter holiday.
>> April 22, 2021
Cabarrus County and the Cities of Concord and Kannapolis are sponsoring a virtual Fair Housing Event entitled “Home Sweet Home” on Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Attorney James H. Perry, the President & CEO of the Winston-Salem Urban League, is the keynote speaker. The event also will feature a TikTok Contest for high school students and the winners will be announced during the event. To register to attend this event, click here or on the flyer below.