Community Development
Community Development programs help to improve the quality of life in Arlington by supporting public services, business development, job training, employment and affordable housing, particularly for low-income residents.
Through the Community Development Fund, the County provides funding and assistance to local community groups working to achieve the goals identified in the Consolidated Plan:
- Create and sustain affordable housing
- Promote healthy and self-sufficient families
- Stabilize families at risk of homelessness
- Foster vibrant and sustainable neighborhoods
Community Development Fund
The Community Development Fund provides grants through a combination of the following federal, state and local sources. Any program that improves housing or economic conditions for Arlington residents with low to moderate incomes will be considered.
NEW Federal CARES Act Funding
Arlington County will be receiving Community Development Block Grant and Community Services Block Grant funds via the federal CARES Act, and is also planning to use existing and potentially additional CDBG funds to support COVID-19 efforts. Funds will be allocated in two rounds.
Round 1 Noncompetitive Grants – Grants received through the first round of CARES Act funding ($830,037 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, of which $790,942 is allocated to Arlington County and $39,035 to the City of Falls Church, and an estimated $230,000 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)) will be allocated through a noncompetitive process, based on a survey of needs administered to safety net service providers. Funds are expected to be allocated by the County Board in May 2020.
Round 2 Competitive Grants – Additional entitlement funds and/or additional CARES Act CDBG funds will be allocated through the regular Community Development Fund Notice of Funding Availability process, with a fast-track review and award for COVID-related funding (approximately $400,000-700,000). Funds are expected to be allocated by the County Board in October 2020.
FY 2022 (July 1 2021 – June 30, 2022
Applications period will open on July 6, 2020.
FY 2021 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021)
Applications were due September 6, 2019.
FY 2020 (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020)
Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
An annual formula grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the CDBG helps the County to provide decent and affordable housing, clean and safe neighborhoods and to create economic opportunities.
Federal and State Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program provides funding to Community Action Agencies and others working to address poverty at the community level. Arlington County can use these funds to address local needs for employment, education, income management, housing, nutrition, emergency services and health.
Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF)
The Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) is the County’s main financing program for affordable housing development. Since 1988, AHIF has helped create the majority of Arlington’s 6,500+ committed affordable rental units. The Fund provides low-interest loans to developers and subsidizes rehabilitation.
Eligible Areas Small Grants Program
The Eligible Areas Small Grants Program provides up to $1,000 to support neighborhood projects. Grants fund activities such as youth sports programs, community workshops, neighborhood festivals and job fairs.