Travis County CDBG Overview
Travis County has received CDBG funds from HUD annually since 2006. The funds are used to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons. CDBG programs implement a variety of community development activities including, but not limited to, the following:
- Public Services
- Community Development
- Housing
- Economic Development
Who benefits?
No more than 20% of the funds are to be used for planning and administration, and the remaining 80% must be distributed as follows:
- No more than 15% toward Public Services, and
- The balance (65%) toward other types of services.
Additionally, at least 70% of the total CDBG funds must benefit low- to-moderate income (LMI) residents in the Travis County CDBG Service Area
- LMI residents are those with incomes at or below 80% of the median family income (MFI).
- The Travis County CDBG service area may change from year to year. It currently includes the unincorporated areas of Travis County and anywhere in Bee Caves, Creedmoor, Lago Vista, San Leanna, Webberville, or West Lake Hills.
Project Selection/Prioritization
When considering a new project, among other considerations, the CDBG Office assesses whether a potential project:
- is an eligible CDBG activity (see What is Eligible and Ineligible for CDBG Funding)
- meets one of HUD’s national objectives, such as benefiting low- and moderate-income residents, and
- is located within the Travis County CDBG Service Area.
Proposed projects or activities that do not meet all of the above criteria cannot be considered for Travis County CDBG grant funding. For further information on the criteria and project evaluation, see Project Evaluation & Selection Criteria for Travis County CDBG Funding.
CDBG staff further evaluates the projects according to the following criteria:
- Meets or aligns with Travis County’s visions, mission and values
- Addresses a high priority goal of the strategic plan: Projects addressing one of the high priority categories identified in the strategic (consolidated) plan are prioritized. As of the current 5-Year Consolidated Plan (PY19-23), infrastructure projects (e.g., street, sidewalk, drainage, etc. improvements), and housing projects (e.g., home rehabilitation and septic system repairs/replacement) were ranked as high priority.
- Feasibility of the project: Projects that can potentially be implemented and completed within 18 months receive a more favorable review. Phased projects for which 12-18 months of work would leave an incomplete project, with little to no impact, are considered with less priority.
- Impacts a significant number of households: Project scope and the number of persons benefiting are considered to determine the level of project impact.
- Leverages/matches with funding from another source: Projects that utilize other funds (federal, state, local, and/or private) and/or public/private joint efforts receive a more favorable review.
- Addresses a goal in the fair housing plan: Projects that further the County’s fair housing goals receive a more favorable review.
The following diagram summarizes the process for project selection/prioritization:
**Click on the image above to view a larger version of the image**
Ineligible Activities
Generally, the following types of activities are not eligible for CDBG funding:
- Acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of buildings for the general conduct of government
- Construction of new housing by units of general local government
- Certain income payments
- Political activities
What Is Eligible or Ineligible for CDBG provides more detailed/specific information regarding eligible vs. ineligible activities.
Project Proposal Form
If you have an idea for a project that appears to be eligible based on the criteria above, fill out the online form:
- English version: Project Proposal Form
- Versión en español: Formulario de Proyecto Propuesto
Disclosures: Please note the following:
- Submitting the project proposal form does not guarantee a commitment of CDBG
- The CDBG project proposal form is not an application for CDBG This form is only a request to determine if a proposed project idea is eligible for CDBG funding.
- Please allow 30 days from the time of submission to receive a written response determining if the proposed project is eligible or ineligible for CDBG funding. If ineligible, a reason for ineligibility will be provided.
- The Travis County CDBG Office does not select contractors. Per HUD, Travis County is required to comply with 2 CFR 200 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal This means, the selection of contractors must go through the County’s procurement process, administered by the County's Purchasing Department.
- Per 2 CFR 319(b), if the entity submitting this proposal form also developed or drafted specifications, requirements, statements of work, or invitations for bids or request for proposals, that entity must be excluded from competing for procurement of the project, if the project is deemed eligible for CDBG funds.
Project History
Over the years, the CDBG program has funded the following types of projects:
