Overview

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 & 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 persons, 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. 

Organizations 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 persons who are at or below the income limit per household size, per the limits released by HUD.