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Congressman Cohen Proposes Improvement to Community Development Block Grant Funding Formula

August 19, 2020

Outdated approach by HUD shortchanges cities like Memphis

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today wrote to Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland about an outdated funding formula that shortchanges Memphis in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) program. Congressman Cohen told Strickland that he plans to introduce legislation to both remedy the formula and increase overall funding for the program after seeking the mayor's input.

The letter reads in part:

"The CDBG program is a critical tool for our city, as the funding helps to strengthen families and communities through homeownership, create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses, create safer communities, invest in our next generation and help seniors live independently. I appreciate your leadership on this issue and look forward to working together to ensure that Memphis receives adequate CDBG funding."

See the entire letter here.