Community Development Block Grant

Since 1976, the City of Wausau has been deemed an Entitlement Community and is an active participant in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Over the years, these funds have been allocated to support a diverse array of local initiatives, including economic development, enhancements to infrastructure accessibility (such as sidewalks, crosswalks, streets, and street lighting), park restoration, home rehabilitation, affordable housing projects, and various non-profit agencies who assist Wausau residents.

Purpose and Objectives

The primary purpose of the Housing and Community Development Act is to address housing and community development needs in the United States. This legislation aims to provide affordable housing opportunities, improve living conditions for low- and moderate-income individuals and families, promote economic development, and enhance the quality of life in communities across the country. Additionally, it establishes various programs and funding mechanisms to support initiatives related to housing, urban development, and community revitalization. Every project undertaken using CDBG funds must align with one of the three overarching National Objectives:

  • Benefit low and moderate income persons
  • Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight
  • Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious or immediate threat to health. 

Subrecipients who receive CDBG funding must follow the income guidelines that HUD updates on an annual basis. This means the funds must be used to assist individuals/households who are at or below the income limit per household size, per the limits released by HUD and effective as of 6/1/25.

% of AMI Number of Persons Per Household
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
80% | Moderate  $55,350 $63,250 $71,150 $79,050 $85,400 $91,700 $98,050 $104,350
60% | Low $41,520 $47,460 $53,400 $59,280 $64,080 $68,820 $73,560 $78,300
30% | Very Low $20,800 $23,750 $26,700 $29,650 $32,050 $34,400 $36,800 $39,150

 

CDBG funds must focus on projects that create a measurable community impact and fall within the eligible activity categories outlined by HUD. In the CDBG program, eligible activities are those that align with the program's goals of benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals, addressing urgent community needs, or eliminating slum and blight. 

Examples include:

  • Housing rehabilitation
  • Public services (such as job training, childcare, or health services)
  • Public infrastructure improvements (roads, water systems, etc.)
  • Economic development activities to create jobs
  • Acquisition and demolition of blighted properties

Ineligible activities are those that do not meet these objectives or are restricted by federal regulations.

These typically include:

  •  General government expenses
  • Political activities
  • New construction of government buildings
  • Income payments (such as direct cash assistance to individuals)
  • Certain equipment purchases for government use

2025 CDBG Award Allocations
The list below outlines the activities proposed for funding in 2025
Agency and Activity  Requested   AWARDED 

Administration – City of Wausau, Community Development Department

  •  General Administration - General management and coordination.
$100,000 $100,000

Housing – City of Wausau, Community Development Department

  •  Homeowner Rehabilitation - Assistance provided to low-moderate income homeowners in the form of a low interest loan to complete necessary home rehabilitation.
$50,000 $50,000

Housing – Habitat for Humanity

  •  Critical Home Repairs Program -Assistance offered to low- and moderate-income homeowners through free or affordable critical home repair services.
 $50,000 $35,000

Public Facility – City of Wausau Engineering

  •  Curb Cuts - Assistance to reconstruct curb ramps in high traffic areas to bring them within ADA standards.
$75,000  $75,000 

Public Facility – City of Wausau Engineering

  •  School Crossing Improvements - Assistance to add Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons for the crosswalks on Bridge St at the 6th Avenue intersection. 
 $20,000 $20,000

Public Service – Big Brothers Big Sisters 

  • The Nest - Support for a mentoring center where matches can connect, grow, and learn through activities like cooking, homework, arts, and life skills, with access to community collaborations, a food and hygiene pantry, and other resources.
 $10,000 $10,000

Public Service - CASA of Marathon County

  •  Court Appointed Advocate Program - Assistance to enhance operations, support volunteer advocates, and expand resources to better serve children in abuse and neglect cases under Chapter 48 proceedings.
 $15,000 $15,000

Public Service - Children's Imaginarium 

  • Access For All - A space to inspire discovery and imagination through hands-on exploration and educational experiences through interactive exhibits rooted in STEM and designed to be hands-on.
 $25,000 $20,000

Public Service – Community Partners Campus

  • Support & Resources Program - Assistance to provide advocacy, resources, and connections for unhoused guests by hiring a part-time employee to collaborate with campus partners and the community outreach specialist.
$25,000 $25,000