April 5th, 2021
by Tara Lukasik

National Community Development Week focuses local and national attention on the importance of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program. It provides a united voice of support and harnesses the power of grassroots engagement to educate members of Congress and the community on the successes of the programs and their value to local communities. Celebrated this year from April 5–9, 2020, the week provides an opportunity for communities to showcase projects and programs and involve program partners in the week-long celebration. The CDBG Program supports code enforcement and the Code Council is a long-time supporter of the program.

For more than 40 years, CDBG has provided local communities with an important source of funds to address affordable housing and community and economic development needs. The CDBG program provides grants to over 1,200 local governments to create neighborhood approaches that improve the physical, economic and social conditions in communities. Every $1.00 of CDBG leverages more than $4.00 in other funding; bringing additional vital resources to communities.

For more than 25 years, the HOME program has helped communities provide access to affordable housing for low-income households. The HOME program provides grants to over 600 local participating jurisdictions to create safe, sanitary, and affordable housing in communities nationwide. Every $1.00 of HOME leverages $4.44 in other funding. Both the CDBG and HOME programs are administered nationally by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

As a 2021 sponsor, the International Code Council joins the National Community Development Association, National Association of Counties, United States Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, American Planning Association, Council of State Community Development Agencies, Housing Assistance Council, National Association for County Community and Economic Development, National Association of Development Organizations, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies, National Association of Regional Councils, National Recreation and Park Association, Rebuilding Together, and Rural Community Assistance Partnership in recognizing National Community Development Week.

About the Author
Tara Lukasik
Tara Lukasik is an editor for the International Code Council, working out of its Western Regional Office in Southern California. Starting with the International Conference of Building Officials as the managing editor of its Building Standards Magazine, she has more than 25 years of experience in writing and editing feature content and advancing digital newsletters and magazines from conception to completion. She is currently putting her experience to good use managing the Code Council's Building Safety Journal and its BSJ Weekly newsletter, which connects construction professionals with the Code Council community and the latest industry news and resources. A California native, she enjoys volunteering in her local community and exploring the Golden State with her husband and three spoiled dachshunds. Follow her on Twitter @ICCTLukasik and Linkedin at linkedin.com/in/taralukasik.