The Administration, Planning, and Finance Departments manage the Town’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.  This federal grant program is made available for cities to benefit low and moderate income individuals.  The Town uses these federal funds for a variety of public services and infrastructure improvement projects in the community.

The Town annually submits both an Action Plan and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  These reports describe the manner in which the Town uses grant funds provided by the federal government.  Copies of these reports can be made available at no charge by contacting the Planning Department or the Town Clerk's Office.

• Public services, which include youth education and family activities at the Unity Community Center and homeless outreach services through PATH (Providing Access To Help), Inc.  ($59,300)
• Down payment assistance to eligible, income-qualified home buyers to help foster affordable home ownership  ($24,000)
• Street resurfacing and sidewalk reconstruction in eligible, low- to moderate-income neighborhoods  ($275,420)
• Sanitary sewer improvements in eligible, low- to moderate-income neighborhoods  ($57,185)

2017-2018 (Year 3) CAPER
The 2017-18 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) reviews CDBG expenditures and activities carried out by the Town in the previous grant year (April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018).  After a comment period and public hearing are conducted by the Town, the CAPER is submitted to HUD for review.  Program Year 2017-18 was Year 3 of the Town's 5-Year Consolidated Plan.

Copies of this most recent CAPER are available for review via the link below and in printed form at the Town Clerk's Office and the Normal Public Library (206 W College Ave) during regular office hours. 

2017-18 (Year 3) CAPER

5-Year Consolidated Plan

As part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the Town is required to submit a 5-Year Consolidated Plan detailing the proposed goals and objectives with respect to use of CDBG grant funds.  The Consolidated Plan covers the period beginning in fiscal years 2015-2016 through 2019-2020.  The Plan also includes the 2015-2016 Annual Action Plan which details the proposed goals, objectives, and projects for entitlement funding awarded for fiscal year 2015-2016.

The Consolidated Plan's  goals and objectives were established based upon market and needs analysis.  As well as through examination of data sources at the federal, state, and local level including US Census data and the 2014 Community Assessment which included focus groups and key informant interviews. 

Specifically, the Town has identified the following community development priorities and investment goals:

• Provide funding for public services for youth education which provide economic opportunities to residents, and fund homeless outreach services to help reduce homelessness and provide a suitable living environment.
• Provide funding for street resurfacing and improvements to maintain public infrastructure and create suitable living environments
• Provide down payment assistance to local home buyers to maintain local housing stock and reduce cost barriers to affordable housing.
• Provide financial assistance to homeowners for clearance activities to create suitable living environments and maintain local housing stock
• Provide funding for public facilities improvements, including those related to public transportation, to create a suitable living environment
• Provide funding for sidewalk and ADA ramp construction
• Provide funding for at least one rehabilitation project

Priority needs and investment goals were identified to reflect fluctuations in CDBG entitlement funding from year to year, respond to demand and capacity for carrying out desired CDBG activities, and to maintain compliance with Department of Housing and Urban Developing CDBG guidelines.

The Consolidated Plan is available via the link below and in print at the Town Clerk's office and the Normal Public Library.

2015-2019 Consolidated Plan

2014 Community Needs Assessment

The 2014 Community Needs Assessment was led by the United Way of McLean County, through collaboration with the Applied Social Research Unit (ASRU) of Illinois State University, students, and community members.  Data collection methods included surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews, and analysis of community data.  The goal of the assessment was to identify health and human services needs throughout McLean County, including needs specific to the Town of Normal.  The Town of Normal is proud to be a contributor to the 2014 Community Assessment, and will use the data collected towards preparation of future Community Development Block Grant plans and activities.  The report and accompanying executive summary can be found online at the United Way of McLean County website.

Emergency Repair and Accessibility Program

The Town of Normal also offers an Emergency Repair and Accessibility Program (ERAP) for home owners in the community. This program is integrated with the activities of the CDBG program; however, does not utilize federal CDBG funding. The ERAP is administered through PATH, Inc. Click on the link in the left hand column for more information.