It's a fund provided by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help cities deal with issues like housing affordability, blight, economic decline, and the lack of social services for low- and moderate-income folks, the homeless, and those with special needs.

Projects must be in designated areas and mostly carried out by the city or non-profit organizations. They must meet the program's goals and be consistent with the city's 5-Year Consolidated Plan. The city council decides on funding through a public hearing process.

A variety of things: helping low- to moderate-income people, fixing up buildings, improving neighborhoods, and more. There are specific rules on how much can be spent on different types of services.

Activities include buying property, fixing or tearing down buildings, making public improvements like water systems or streets, and even helping businesses with economic development.

HUD gives the money, oversees compliance with federal rules, while the city uses the funds directly or through other agencies for programs and services.

It's a big plan the city gives to HUD to get the CDBG grant. The plan outlines goals for housing programs and is a key part of HUD evaluating the city's performance.

The city has to make a plan encouraging people, especially those with lower incomes, to participate. They provide info, records, and public hearings for citizen views and questions at all stages of the program.