Madison Reporter

For five decades, the City of Madison has utilized federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds alongside federal HOME program funds and City levy dollars to inject over $200 million into the local community. These funds have been directed towards addressing housing needs, advancing economic development, and maintaining community spaces.

The CDBG unit within the Community Development Division plays a pivotal role in allocating these funds through various contracts and programs. These initiatives have reached diverse populations throughout Madison. As National Community Development Week is observed, a focus is directed towards the specific programs that have made substantial contributions to Madison's residents.

The Home Rehabilitation Loans program stands out as one of the initial efforts following the city's receipt of its first CDBG funds in 1975. Originating from a recognized need by city leaders, the Housing Rehabilitation Services Program aims to provide financial and technical help to low- and moderate-income homeowners, addressing the repair needs of aging homes in older neighborhoods. This program has supported over 2,200 homeowners, contributing to the maintenance and improvement of more than 3,400 properties in Madison.

While the program addresses basic maintenance requirements like furnaces, water heaters, and roofing, it has also facilitated significant structural changes. A notable example includes the recent rehabilitation of a home on Wingra Drive. This property, previously abandoned, was acquired by a young couple who leveraged the program to replace a deteriorating, water-damaged roof and construct a second story.