This historical publication is an attempt to systematically study the CDBG program given that there had been little research on the topic during the 1980s. This is important as the program had shifted from providing funds for local governments for projects in Urban Renewal, Model Cities, water and sewer, parks and recreation, and improving downtowns and revitalizing destressed urban neighborhoods to entitling cities and urban counties to spend funds at local option within broad guidelines developed by Congress. The authors found that not only was the program a success in contributing to many city’s community development but that it changed the nature of municipal government to have a key role in housing and redevelopment programs.

This report is part of the collection of scanned historical documents available to the public.