Key updates to 2025 Community
Block Development Grant programs
Following the adoption of the 2025 Action Plan, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs has made a series of strategic updates to its Community Development Block Grant programs. These changes are set to take effect for construction grant applications in Round 2 of 2025 as well as Planning and Owner Occupied Rehabilitation grant applications in Quarter 4 of 2025
Program-specific alignment for Wastewater/Drinking grants: OCRA will adjust the Wastewater/Drinking Program to reflect new benchmarks established by the Legislative Taskforce. These updates are designed to ensure compliance with revised user rate thresholds.
Facilities program expands to include historic preservation: To better serve Indiana communities, the Public Facilities Program will expand its scope to support the rehabilitation and restoration of historical structures, preserving architectural heritage.
Promoting effective building practices: Modifications to the Main Street Revitalization, Public Facilities and Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation programs will promote efficient construction and renovation practices, encouraging long-term cost savings for municipalities and residents.
Residential blight clearance initiative expanded: In response to evolving community needs, the Blight Clearance Program will now include residential properties, enabling local governments to address substandard housing and promote safe, healthy communities.
Support for disaster-impacted communities: Additional bonus points will be awarded to non-entitlement communities recovering from natural disasters and facing heightened financial needs, improving their ability to secure CDBG funding.
National Objectives: The criteria for assigning points to National Objectives remain unchanged, but now explicitly incorporated the guidelines into application materials to give applicants a clear understanding of the established practices.
These updates emphasize OCRA’s dedication to enhancing water, wastewater and stormwater systems to protect public health, while revitalizing communities and preserving historic landmarks to bolster economic vitality.
Revised funding cycles and application requirements
OCRA has adjusted the funding timeline cycle for the Planning and Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation programs to include three rounds, with the possibility of a fourth round each year, contingent upon available funding.
To ensure timely outreach and preparedness, community liaisons must be notified within 15 days of a funding round opening to be eligible to submit an application for that round. This notification must specifically refer to the round/quarter from which the community is seeking financial assistance. The new program calendar will be made available to the public later this year reflecting the changes.
Open for Public Comment:
Income Survey Policy, In-Kind Policy & Overdue Policy Drafts
The new Income Survey Policy, In-Kind Policy and Overdue Policy drafts have been uploaded to the CDBG policies page and can be accessed by clicking here.
Public comments will be collected via this online form. The public comment period is open for 30 days from the publishing of the proposed policy on July 31, 2025, and will remain open until Aug. 30, 2025, at 4 p.m. ET. At the end of the public comment period, OCRA will review the feedback, make revisions if needed, and with the approval of the CDBG program director, post the policy. Once posted, the policy is to be considered final and in effect as of the effective date noted in the draft.
Submit invoices for open Community Development Block Grants
Invoices must be submitted in a timely manner to ensure they are processed and paid promptly. As a reminder, digital signatures are accepted.
If issues prevent invoices from being submitted, please contact Grant Services for assistance.
