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.
News/Events/AnnouNcements
News
|
►
|
HUD Announces Adjustments to Help Properties Address Rising Expenses and Insurance Costs
|
| |
On December 19, 2024, amidst rising insurance and property management costs across the nation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the latest change to help housing providers maintain affordable rents while keeping up with rising expenses. HUD recently published a Federal Register Notice to update the operating cost adjustment factors (OCAFs) for eligible multifamily housing projects with project-based assistance contracts under the Section 8 program. This adjustment will help housing providers’ allowable operating cost adjustments better reflect rising operational expenses seen market-wide, particularly insurance costs, while ensuring that residents have access to affordable, quality homes with stable rental rates.Click the title to learn more.
|
| |
|
| ► |
Biden-Harris Administration Awards $225 Million To Preserve and Revitalize Housing
|
| |
On December 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the award of $225 million in competitive grant funding for 17 awardees with proposed projects across 26 states through the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) program. PRICE is an innovative grant program – providing funding to preserve and revitalize manufactured housing and manufactured housing communities (MHCs) across the country, including rural, suburban, urban, tribal, and disaster impacted areas. More than 22 million Americans currently live in manufactured homes, and manufactured housing communities comprise a significant portion of the nation’s affordable housing stock, especially in rural and tribal areas. Manufactured housing is a central component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s strategy to increase housing supply and lower housing costs. These actions reinforce the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to furthering manufactured homes as an affordable option for Americans to obtain quality and stable housing through HUD programs, and build upon actions taken to strengthen guidance, expand financing options, and increase loan limits to support manufactured housing. Click the title to learn more.
|
| |
|
| ► |
HUD Invests $12 Million to Strengthen Rural Communities
|
| |
On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $12 million in capacity-building grants to five national non-profit organizations through the FY 23-24 Rural Capacity Building program which will fund rural housing development organizations, Community Development Corporations (CDCs), Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), local governments, and Indian tribes (eligible beneficiaries) to carry out affordable housing and community development activities in rural areas for hard-working, low-income families and individuals. “There is a great need to repair aging homes and build new housing in rural communities, but financing this work can be challenging,” said HUD Agency Head, The Honorable Adrianne Todman. “These experienced non-profits will bridge the gap and help ensure we are improving the state of rural housing across the country.” Click the title to learn more.
|
| |
|
| ► |
HUD Highlights Significant Accomplishments in Rental Assistance Programs, Strengthening Housing Stability Nationwide
|
| |
On December 12, 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced its achievement of significant milestones in its rental assistance programs, reaffirming its commitment to provide affordable housing for American families. These accomplishments align with the Biden-Harris administration’s steadfast efforts to address the nation’s housing crisis. Since day one, President Biden and Vice President Harris have prioritized expanding access to affordable housing through a number of actions, which included strengthening the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The Honorable Adrianne Todman discussed the agency’s achievements today during an event with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “HUD’s rental assistance programs are not just about providing people with an affordable place to live – they are also addressing a critical issue facing this country, high housing costs.” said the Honorable Adrianne Todman, HUD Agency Head. “I am proud that this Administration fought for and received additional rental assistance resources, the most in 20 years. We also made strides to strengthen this voucher program.” Click the title to learn more.
|
| |
|
| ► |
HUD Announces ConnectHomeUSA Summit to Bridge the Digital Divide
|
|
|
On December 11, 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) hosted the 2024 ConnectHomeUSA Summit from December 10-12th. This hybrid event convened representatives from ConnectHomeUSA Sites from across the country, along with federal broadband leaders and organizations from various sectors to discuss solutions for narrowing the digital divide in HUD-assisted communities. ConnectHomeUSA is a vital resource in advancing digital access for HUD-assisted communities. Earlier this year, ConnectHomeUSA expanded and onboarded 97 new communities which include Public Housing Authorities, Multi-Family owners and operators, Tribes/Tribally Designated Entities, and HUD Continuum of Care and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS grantees. Click the title to learn more.
|
Events
|
►
|
December 13, 2024- January 13, 2025
|
| |
The City of Concord Public Art Commission is seeking artist submissions for the Les Myers Park Mural Project. Submissions should reflect one or more of the top themes identified by residents: nature, community, history, and harmony. Submissions are due January 13, 2025.
The mural at Les Myers Park will go on the existing tennis wall that is visible to Lawndale Avenue and adjacent to the upper parking lot and tennis courts. The Commission currently anticipates completing the mural by the end of June 2025.
Residents were invited to help guide the design direction for the mural through participation in an online public input survey. More than 100 residents participated in the survey and the Public Art Commission received more than 350 comments. The top themes identified by residents through the survey were: 1) nature; 2) history or historical relevance; and 3) community (with corresponding themes of harmony and unity). The artist selection panel will look for design submissions that best celebrate community and the joy of recreation while incorporating these themes, particularly nature, as it was the top theme identified by residents.
More information about the tennis wall mural project, including the Call for Artists and submission guidelines, is available online at concordnc.gov/PublicArtProjects.
|
| |
 |
| |
|
Announcements
|
►
|
Reimagine McGill Survey Results
|
| |
In the fall of 2023, the City of Concord, in partnership with community organizations, sought residents’ input through a survey to help guide the decisions to determine how to redevelop the property that was purchased by the City on McGill Avenue, which is a major gateway between Western Concord and historic Downtown Concord. The City wanted to explore the concepts that would address a critical community need for greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The input from the community will help to guide the decisions for redevelopment on McGill Avenue. The survey results are now available for review. Please view the results below:
|
| |
|