The Los Angeles Post

Los Angeles County Celebrates 50th Anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant Program

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Los Angeles, CA, August 16, 2024 – Los Angeles County commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, a federal initiative that has played a crucial role in funding local infrastructure, affordable housing, and community development projects. The celebration, held at the SEED School LA and the Evermont development site, highlighted the transformative impact of CDBG funding in revitalizing communities across the county.

The CDBG Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), has been a vital resource for local governments over the past five decades. It is widely recognized as one of the most effective federal programs, enabling cities and counties to address their unique needs. Through the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), the county oversees the largest CDBG Urban County Program in the nation, encompassing unincorporated areas and 47 participating cities, in collaboration with numerous community-based organizations and county departments.

To mark this milestone, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, alongside officials from HUD and various partner agencies, toured the SEED School LA and Evermont development in South Los Angeles. These projects exemplify how CDBG funding can drive positive change in underserved communities.

Located at Vermont and Manchester Avenues, the SEED School LA is the county’s first college-prep public boarding school, offering students a pathway to college and career readiness with a focus on computer sciences, engineering, and transportation infrastructure studies. The school received a $4.1 million CDBG Float Loan to support its development.

Adjacent to the school, the Evermont development is a mixed-use, transit-oriented affordable housing community. It includes 180 apartment units, with housing for families, unhoused seniors, and permanent supportive housing. Evermont received over $14 million in gap financing through the Section 108 Loan Guarantee and CDBG Programs, showcasing the program’s ability to fund large-scale, community-centered projects.

“CDBG funding has been crucial to developing community amenities like shopping centers, libraries, parks, and health centers,” said Supervisor Mitchell. “I’m proud of the investment that has made Magic Johnson Park, Florence Library, the Senior Grant Program, and SEED School LA possible.”

LACDA Executive Director Emilio Salas added, “For 50 years, the CDBG Program has allowed us to build better lives and better neighborhoods. Its flexibility has enabled us to directly address the needs of our communities, and we look forward to continuing this vital work with federal support for years to come.”

For more information on the CDBG Program and other LACDA initiatives, visit www.lacda.org.