The Community Development Block Grant program is federally funded, locally administered effort to assist the City in the establishment and maintenance of viable urban neighborhoods, thru the provision of decent (affordable) housing and creating a suitable living environment, and the expansion of economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income.

An important aspect of the CDBG Program is the development and ongoing implementation of the HUD required Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan is a needs-based assistance plan that provides strategic vision, primarily for housing and community development purposes. Its overall purpose is to enable the City and other agencies to develop a comprehensive and long-term strategic approach to guide the community in addressing identified affordable and supportive housing needs and community development opportunities.

The CDBG staff provides guidance and technical assistance to the CDBG Citizens Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB is a City Council appointed body composed of twelve citizens from economically and racially diverse communities in Petersburg. Their overall purpose is to promote citizen participation and input in the development of the annual CDBG program which guides the expenditure of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds towards meeting the City Council approved CDBG (annual) spending plan. The CAB meets on a monthly basis between December and April, to develop its recommendation to City Council for the expenditure of CDBG funds for a program year that begins July 1 and ends the following June 30.