CDBG Advisory Committee

INTRODUCTION

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) has designated the Town of Amherst a Mini-Entitlement Community that is eligible to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Each year the Town can apply to receive federal funds administered by the EOHLC, which are awarded primarily to projects, programs, and services that improve the lives of Amherst's low and moderate income residents (defined as individuals or families whose annual income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income as determined by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - HUD), and be located in an identified neighborhood or target area.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Amherst must apply each year to EOHLC to receive the funding. The CDBG Advisory Committee, with assistance from Town staff, oversees the public input process by holding Public Hearings and Public Meetings so that Amherst residents and Boards & Committees have an opportunity to discuss priorities and target areas. The CDBG Advisory Committee also solicits proposals from the community to help determine which projects receive funding. These proposals can be submitted by various parties, including but not limited to a single individual (i.e. a developer), a Town Board / Committee, or a non-profit organization. Those interested in making a funding request are encouraged to contact Town staff.

During the application process, Amherst residents have an opportunity to discuss the following components of the Town's application to EOHLC:


  1. Community Priorities: A summary of community development goals that will have a positive impact in Amherst, especially low and moderate income residents. 
  2. Community Development Strategy: A 3-page document that summarizes the Town's Master Plan, including identification of goals and objectives of community development efforts over a 3-to-5-year period.
  3. Map of Target Areas: A map that identifies areas in Town that are a priority to receive funding.
  4. Project Proposals: Proposals are submitted to the CDBG Advisory Committee for review and prioritization as part of the Town's CDBG application.  

2024 Application Process

NEW:

December 12, 2023 Public Hearing: Public hearing to receive comments on the Community Development Strategy, as well as needs and priorities for the 2024 CDBG program.

December 12, 2023 Public Hearing Notice: https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/70394/CDBG-Public-Hearing-Notice-12-12-2023

Documents:

Draft Community Development Strategy: https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/70396/Amherst-2024-Community-Development-Strategy

Draft Target Areas: https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/70395/2024-CDBG-Target-Areas

2022-2023 Survey results for CDBG community priorities: https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/Index/4861

Social Service RFP: 
https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/70397/2024-CDBG-Social-service-RFP

Non-Social Service RFP: 
https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/70398/2024-CDBG-NON-social-service-RFP

2024 Non-Social Service Priority: 

To continue meeting the goals of the community’s Master Plan, Community Development Strategy, and Community Priorities by focusing efforts on target areas (areas in which 51% or more of residents are low- and moderate-income) including the Town Center, East Amherst Village Center, and the East Hadley Road/Pomeroy Village Center. Non-social services include infrastructure, buildings, housing rehabilitation, and small business assistance. 

Community priorities for social services are to maintain a balanced approach among:

  • household (family and individual) stabilization;
  • support services for those experiencing homelessness;
  • youth development;
  • services that help develop economic self-sufficiency (adult education & job training);
  • food and nutrition programs;
  • low-cost accessible comprehensive health services/insurance navigation;
  • support services for seniors; and
  • transportation services.

2024 grant information

  • 12 month implementation timeline (July 2025-June 2026)
  • Approximately $925,000 million granted to the Town
    • Maximum allowed for Social Services: 20% ($185,000); Up to 5 activities maximum
    • Maximum allowed for Administration: 15% ($138,750)
    • Remainder is for Non-Social Services: 65% ($601,250); Up to 3 activities maximum

  

  2024 APPLICATION TIMELINE
December 12, 2023Public hearing of CDBG Advisory Committee to hear community input on social services, non-social services, target areas, and the Community Development Strategy. 
December 15, 2023

RFP is issued - posted on CDBG website and emailed to agencies and Department Heads. 
January 16, 2024Funding applications are due to Nate Malloy, Senior Planner at noon. 
January 23, 2024CDBG Committee sends questions back to agencies
January 30, 2024

Applicants respond to questions via email
 February 6, 2024Public meeting of CDBG Advisory Committee to review applications and make recommendations
February 13, 2024Public hearing of CDBG Advisory Committee for the public to  comment on recommended activities
 March 4, 2024Application packaged is due to MA Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities



More information on 2022-2023 Application process

The MA Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities posts information about the grant program online: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/community-development-block-grant-cdbg

Member
Year Appointed
Term Expires
Vacant (1)    
Gregory Bascomb
2022
2024
Rika Clement
2020
2024
Nathanael Larson
2018
2026
Becky Michaels, Chair
2020
2026
Suzanne Schilling
2022
2024
Zoy Soulis
2023
2025