City Survey Seeks Public Input For CDBG Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2009

For More Information:
Lisa Abbott, Director, HAND, City of Bloomington, 349-3576
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-3569, [lopezd@bloomington.in.gov|mailto:lopezd@bloomington.in.gov]

City Survey Seeks Public Input For CDBG Funding

Bloomington, IN - The City of Bloomington's Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department has created a survey for area residents seeking input on future expenditures of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. CDBG funding represents Federal community development assistance dollars provided annually to the City by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Every five years, the City establishes a strategic long-term vision for the use of this funding in areas such as social services, housing assistance and community development activities. Five hundred randomly selected residents have received the survey and were asked to provide feedback on how resources should be allocated as well as to identify the community's greatest needs. The survey is also being offered electronically. Incorporating public input is a crucial step in ensuring the funds are effectively being used.

"Feedback from the community is a critical element of this process and one that the City takes very, very seriously," said Lisa Abbott, Director of HAND. "Crafting the five-year plan to utilize CDBG funding in a strategic way is a collaborative effort between the City and the residents of this community, and we encourage everyone to take the time to provide input through this survey."

To complete the electronic survey, please go to the City of Bloomington's website at [www.bloomington.in.gov/hand|www.bloomington.in.gov/hand] and click on the link that states, "Take the City of Bloomington's Housing Survey."

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