County Supervisors Proclaim April Community Development Month in Fairfax County
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program was established in 1974 as part of the Housing and Community Development Act to provide state and local governments with resources to develop viable urban communities by providing decent affordable housing and a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income; and
WHEREAS, 2024 has been designated for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the CDBG Program; and
WHEREAS, since the programs’ inception, Fairfax County has received over $298 million from CDBG and $78 million from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, supporting the development of affordable housing benefiting low- to moderate-income individuals and households, including older adults, people with disabilities, those experiencing chronic or frequent homelessness, and children; and
WHEREAS, people of color are disproportionately negatively impacted by the lack of available affordable housing within Fairfax County; and
WHEREAS, the CDBG Program is critical to advance equitable neighborhood approaches that improve the physical, economic, and social conditions for all Fairfax County communities; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program foster a strong network among local government, residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations working to meet the needs of Fairfax County residents; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby designate April 2024, as
“Community Development Month”
in Fairfax County and urges all residents to recognize the importance and achievements of the Community Development Block Grant and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program in improving the quality of life in Fairfax County and throughout the United States.
National Community Development Week 2024 (April 1- 5) and April being declared by the Board as Community Development Month, provides an opportunity to reflect on the value federal community development funds bring to communities throughout Fairfax County. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) – funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – provide essential funding utilized to support neighborhood improvements, economic revitalization, affordable housing, community facilities and services to assist our most vulnerable neighbors.