Program was selected in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant Program
In photo (left to right): John Schelling, HUD Community Planning & Development Director for Washington State; Tanya Kim, Seattle Human Services Department Director; Carma Reed, HUD Community Planning & Development Regional Director; Maiko Winkler-Chin, Seattle Office of Housing Director; Andrew Lofton, HUD Northwest Regional Administrator; Andréa Akita, Seattle Office of Housing Deputy Directo; Michael Look, HUD Northwest Deputy Regional Administrator
Seattle - In honor of five decades of urban development and revitalization, earlier this month the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recognized the City of Seattle with a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 50th Anniversary Award for its support of the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF) and its transformative contribution to equitable development in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
Since its inception, over $633 million in CDBG funds have been used by the City of Seattle to deliver vital services for low- and moderate-income residents and support critical investments in infrastructure based on the City of Seattle's priorities. This year, HUD’s 10 regional offices highlighted projects indicative of CDBG’s unique flexibility and innovative impact with RVCDF standing out for its lasting benefits and creative approach.
Founded in 2002 in response to economic disruptions caused by Sound Transit Light Rail construction, RVCDF evolved into a robust financial institution supporting local entrepreneurship and real estate development. With a major investment of $24.7 million of CDBG and other local and federal resources, the RVCDF has had a substantial impact on the Southeast Seattle community supporting a diverse array of businesses and construction trades jobs training in one of the nation’s most diverse neighborhoods, according to recent censuses.
As a self-sustaining, community-controlled financial institution, RVCDF preserves and strengthens cultural diversity, long-term livability, and economic opportunity for Rainier Valley residents, businesses, and institutions. It also has a substantial revolving loan fund for business lending and commercial real estate lending in Southeast Seattle. It provides technical assistance services to businesses that are looking to grow and increase profitability and sustainability.
The City of Seattle collaborates with the Seattle Housing Authority and multiple community partners to guide the financial and human capital investments for the following US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded programs: The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and the Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG).
The Human Services Department plays a crucial role in coordinating these vital investments on behalf of the City of Seattle. By working closely with the Office of Housing, Office of Economic Development, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Department of Parks and Recreation, and Office of Planning and Community Development, hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds have been maximized for community benefit.
The CBDG program, enacted by Congress in 1974, touches every corner of the country—primarily serving low- and moderate-income populations and helping build stronger and more resilient communities across Washington State. For more details on the 50th Anniversary celebrations and the impact of the CDBG program visit HUD’s 50th Anniversary StoryMap.
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