Through the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, local governments with populations of 50,000 or more become eligible for funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to implement a wide range of programs and projects dealing with neighborhood improvements and city services. In order to receive the funds from HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and Home Investment Partnership Program, the City must file an application that contains the plan for the use of the funds.In 2023 the City submitted a 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Strategy which assessed, identified, and forecasted community needs. In addition, the City must comply with Federal laws concerning civil rights, payment of wages, environmental review, monitoring requirements, fair housing and any other federal, state, and local regulations. Most importantly, all funded activities must meet at least three national objectives: Benefit low -and moderate- income persons; preventing or eliminating of slums or blight; and meet a particularly urgent need