Community Development Glossary: A Guide by CDA

This glossary is designed to help current and prospective partners of the Community Development Administration (CDA) better understand the terms, acronyms, and jargon commonly used in our work. Whether you're applying for a grant, managing a funded project, or simply learning about how federal and local programs work together, this resource will help you navigate key concepts used by CDA, the City of St. Louis, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and other public agencies and community-based organizations.

Explore the definitions and bookmark this page as a go-to guide for decoding community development terminology.

Definitions

2 CFR 200 - Uniform Guidance

2 C.F.R Part 200 establishes uniform administrative requirements Federal awards to non-Federal entities. 2 CFR 200 provides CDA a standardized framework for managing federal grants, ensuring compliance with administrative, cost, and audit requirements to promote accountability and efficient use of federal funds.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Accessory dwelling unit, or “granny flat, accessory apartment, mother-in-law suite, garage loft,” etc.), is a self-contained second living unit on an existing single-family lot.

Affordable Housing Commission (AHC)

AHC promotes City living by preserving and producing affordable, accessible housing. Established in 2001, AHC invests grants from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and ARPA funds. In 2024, AHC tripled its annual awards to support 46 programs and 14 developments.

Area Median Income (AMI)

AMI is the midpoint of a specific area’s income distribution and is calculated annually by HUD. HUD refers to it as median family income, based on a four-person household.

Asset Management Projects (AMPs)

AMPs refer to the organizational units created by HUD to manage and oversee public housing properties under the asset management model. Each AMP typically includes multiple housing developments, and the model focuses on financial and operational efficiency to improve the management and performance of public housing assets.

Buy America Preference (BAP)

Requires that all steel and manufactured goods used in Airport Improvement Program–funded projects be produced in the United States.

Buy American Build American Act (BABA)

Enacted on November 15, 2021, as part of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, BABA established a domestic preference for all Federal financial assistance needed for infrastructure projects. It requires that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in covered projects are produced in the United States.

Central Business Index Clearance (CBI)

Verification that the entity has a current business license and is current on the payment of all City taxes. CBI clearances must be included when contracts are routed for signature and cannot be older than 30 days.

Certificate of Consistency

A document required by HUD to ensure that projects and funding applications align with the local government's Consolidated Plan. This certificate confirms that proposed activities are consistent with the jurisdiction's housing and community development goals.

Choice Limiting Action

A choice limiting action refers to any activity that may impact the environmental review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 24 CFR Part 58 before federal funds are committed. These actions include acquiring property, awarding contracts, or starting construction before an environmental review is completed. Taking such an action before clearance can jeopardize funding eligibility.

Choice Neighborhoods in St. Louis

The Choice Neighborhoods initiative, a program of HUD, is a comprehensive approach to neighborhood revitalization that focuses on transforming distressed public housing and surrounding communities into viable and sustainable mixed-income neighborhoods. St. Louis is one of the U.S. cities implementing this initiative, encompassing Carr Square, Columbus Square, Old North St. Louis, St. Louis Place, and Downtown West.

Its three pillars are:

• Housing: Replace distressed housing with high-quality, mixed-income housing.

• People: Improve outcomes in health, safety, employment, mobility, and education.

• Neighborhood: Create conditions for public and private reinvestment with safety, schools, and commercial activity.

City Emergency Management Agency (CEMA)

A division of the City of St. Louis’ Department of Public Safety that maintains prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery programs.

Civil Rights Enforcement Agency (CREA)

CREA monitors and investigates fair housing, equal employment, and public accommodation complaints.

Community-Based Development Organizations (CBDO)

CBDOs are local organizations that focus on the development and revitalization of communities. They work to improve housing, economic opportunities, and quality of life. CBDOs often partner with local governments and others to leverage resources for community-based initiatives.

Community Benefits Agreement (CBA)

A CBA is a contract signed by community groups and a real estate developer that requires the developer to provide specific amenities or mitigations to the community. While not usually between government and a developer, local governments may consider CBAs during project reviews.

Community Development Administration (CDA)

CDA serves as the City of St. Louis’ clearinghouse for federal, state, and local funds. It implements the Mayor's Economic Justice Agenda by funding public and nonprofit entities to provide services, build housing, combat blight, and carry out community development activities.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant is a federal funding program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). CDBG provides annual grants to cities, states, and counties to support community development efforts, especially in low- to moderate-income areas. In St. Louis, CDBG funds are managed by the Community Development Administration (CDA) to support affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, social services, public facilities, economic development, and more. All CDBG-funded activities must meet one of HUD’s three national objectives:
• Benefit low- and moderate-income persons
• Prevent or eliminate slums and blight
• Address urgent community development needs

Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO)

A CHDO is a private nonprofit, community-based organization that has staff with the capacity to develop affordable housing for the community it serves. In order to qualify for designation as a CHDO, the organization must meet certain requirements pertaining to their legal status, organizational structure, and capacity and experience. With Participating Jurisdiction (PJ) approval, CHDOs may use HOME funds for all eligible HOME activities.

Community Land Trusts

Nonprofit, community-based organizations designed to ensure community stewardship of land. Primarily used to ensure long-term housing affordability but can also be applied to commercial development.

Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS)

HUD’s survey of housing affordability that tracks the extent of cost burdens in local households. For St. Louis (2014–2018), the survey found 23.9% of households earning ≤30% AMI, with most being renters and at high risk of housing instability.

Congregate vs. Non-Congregate Shelter

Congregate includes emergency shelters where guests share communal spaces, such as dormitories or gymnasiums. Non-congregate shelters provide private accommodations, often in motel rooms, and is a proven way to limit the spread of COVID-19 among people experiencing homelessness.

Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)

The CAPER is an annual HUD-required report that reviews a city’s housing and community development activities, evaluating CDBG, HOME, ESG, HOPWA, and other funding progress toward ConPlan goals.

Consolidated Plan

The Consolidated Plan (ConPlan) is a comprehensive planning document required by HUD, outlining a city's goals for housing, community development, and funding priorities over a 3-5 year period. It serves as a roadmap for how HUD funding will be used, including programs like CDBG, HOME, HOPWA, and ESG, to address housing and community needs, particularly for low- and moderate-income residents.

Continuum of Care (CoC)

The St. Louis City Continuum of Care (CoC) is a membership organization comprised of more than 100 organizations and individuals from the private and public sector who work in partnership to prevent and end homelessness in the City of St. Louis. Mandated by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the CoC strategizes and plans a coordinated, comprehensive approach to providing housing and services for people in danger of becoming homeless or experiencing homelessness.

Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA)

A federal law requiring CDA partners to provide overtime pay (1.5x rate) for laborers and mechanics working over 40 hours per week on covered contracts, and to ensure safe working conditions.

Copeland Anti-Kickback Act (1934)

Prohibits contractors on covered contracts from inducing employees to give up part of their compensation. CDA contracts must comply, ensuring workers receive full pay without coercion.

Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA)

Enacted in 1990, NAHA aims to expand affordable housing in the U.S. by supporting low-income housing development, enhancing homeownership opportunities, and improving community development programs. Section 105 requires jurisdictions to submit a comprehensive housing affordability strategy to HUD.

Cultural Resources Office (CRO) 

The Cultural Resources Office is the preservation agency of the City of St. Louis and is responsible for review of exterior work within the City's 18 locally-designated historic districts, 132 landmarks, public parks and public buildings, and encroachments in the public right-of-way. The Cultural Resources Office (CRO) works with property owners, neighborhoods, City departments, public agencies and elected officials to preserve our City's historic and cultural heritage. Under applicable standards and ordinances, it reviews:

• exterior changes to City Landmarks and buildings in City Historic Districts;
• demolitions in Preservation Review Districts and National Register Historic Districts;
• projects funded by the City or that affect City-owned property
• City projects funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Davis–Bacon Act of 1931

A federal law that establishes the requirement for paying local prevailing wages on public works projects for laborers and mechanics.

Difficult Development Areas (DDA)

Areas with high land, construction, and utility costs relative to AMI.

Disaster Recovery Grant Reporting System (DRGR)

The DRGR system is used by grantees to access grant funds and report performance accomplishments for grant-funded activities.

Economic Justice Index (EJI)

The City of St. Louis is targeting ARPA funds to communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The index consolidates 10+ factors (life expectancy, crime rates, education, internet access, etc.) to identify census tracts with the greatest need.

Electronic Grants Management System (EGrAMS)

The platform where CDBG funds are applied for and managed throughout the grant lifecycle, ensuring efficient and transparent administration. CDA no longer uses EGrAMS, which has been replaced with a more modern, user-friendly SalesForce based system. 

Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)

A federal program designed to help households unable to pay rent or utilities due to financial hardships. ERA provides financial support for rent, utilities, and housing stability services to prevent eviction and homelessness.

Energy Star standards

Energy Star is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy that promotes energy efficiency. The program provides information on the energy consumption of products and devices using different standardized methods

Entitlement Community

HUD awards grants to entitlement community grantees to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services. Entitlement communities develop their own programs and funding priorities. However, grantees must give maximum feasible priority to activities which benefit low- and moderate-income persons. A grantee may also carry out activities which aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight.

Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG)

ESG criteria evaluate a company’s sustainability, social impact, and governance. Investors use ESG factors to assess risks and opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

EEO is the principle that all individuals should have equal access to employment opportunities without discrimination. Laws ensure fairness in hiring, promotions, wages, and workplace conditions.

Equal Housing and Opportunity Council (EHOC)

EHOC is a nonprofit fair housing enforcement agency in St. Louis. It combats illegal housing discrimination through education, counseling, investigations, and enforcement.

Fair Labor Standards Act 

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting employees in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

FQHCs provide essential primary care services to underserved communities, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. CDA is using ARPA funds to improve FQHC facilities in the city, enhancing access to quality healthcare for St. Louis residents.

Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS)

Also known as the "Yellow Book," GAGAS provides a framework for conducting audits of government entities, programs, activities, and functions. These standards ensure audits are performed with competence, integrity, and independence, promoting accountability and transparency in government operations. All CDA-related audits must adhere to GAGAS.

Grants Management System (GMS)

CDA’s GMS is used for submitting, monitoring, and reporting on grants. CDA is transitioning from EGrAMS to a more intuitive Salesforce-powered system to streamline the process.

Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

A Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a local information technology system used to collect client-level data and data on the provision of housing and services to homeless individuals and families and persons at risk of homelessness. Based upon HMIS-participating permanent housing projects (including permanent supportive housing (PSH), rapid housing (RRH), and other permanent housing (OPH)) from October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2021, ICA shared data on site vs. tenant-based permanent housing. For total exits, there were 407 for Site-Based PSH & OPH, 1,045 Tenant-Based PSH & OPH, and 3,248 Tenant-Based RRH.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

Permits Participating Jurisdictions (PJs) to create flexible programs that provide assistance to individual households to help them afford the housing costs of market-rate units. These programs are known as "Tenant-Based Rental Assistance," or TBRA. HOME TBRA programs differ from other types of HOME rental housing activities in three key ways:

• TBRA programs help individual households, rather than subsidizing particular rental projects.

• TBRA assistance moves with the tenant—if the household no longer wishes to rent a particular unit, the household may take its TBRA and move to another rental property.

• The level of TBRA subsidy varies—the level of subsidy is based upon the income of the household, the particular unit the household selects, and the PJ’s rent standard (rather than being tied to the PJ’s high and low HOME rents).

HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)

TBRA is a program under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program that provides direct rental subsidies to low-income households. It helps individuals afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private rental market, offering flexibility in location and duration of assistance.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) permits Participating Jurisdictions (PJs) to create flexible programs that provide assistance to individual households to help them afford the housing costs of market-rate units. These programs are known as "Tenant-Based Rental Assistance," or TBRA. HOME TBRA programs differ from other types of HOME rental housing activities in three key ways:

• TBRA programs help individual households, rather than subsidizing particular rental projects.
• TBRA assistance moves with the tenant—if the household no longer wishes to rent a particular unit, the household may take its TBRA and move to another rental property.
• The level of TBRA subsidy varies—the level of subsidy is based upon the income of the household, the particular unit the household selects, and the PJ’s rent standard (rather than being tied to the PJ’s high and low HOME rents).

Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)

The HCV program, commonly known as Section 8, helps low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities afford safe and decent housing in the private market. Recipients pay a portion of their income towards rent, with the rest covered by the voucher.

Housing First

A nationally recognized, evidence-based approach to addressing homelessness that prioritizes direct access to permanent housing without prerequisites such as sobriety, income, or participation in treatment. This model views housing as a fundamental human right and establishes stable housing as the first step toward recovery and independence. Supportive services, such as case management, behavioral health, and employment assistance, are offered after housing placement to promote long-term stability. Widely endorsed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Housing First has been shown to improve outcomes and reduce public costs compared to traditional shelter-based approaches.

Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

HOPWA is a federal program that provides housing assistance and supportive services to low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families. This program aims to prevent homelessness and improve housing stability for this vulnerable population.

HUD – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

A U.S. federal executive department administering housing and urban development laws.

HUD 4710 Semi-Annual Labor Standards Report

Used to report contracts executed by the Local Contracting Agency (PHAs, TDHEs, THPs, Cities and States) that are subject to Davis-Bacon.

Inclusionary Zoning

A subset of Inclusionary Housing policies that focuses specifically on providing affordable housing developers a partial offset of development costs by offering alternatives to complying with standard zoning regulations.

Institute for Community Alliances (ICA)

A not-for-profit organization based in Des Moines, Iowa. ICA functions as the HMIS Lead Agency and/or HMIS System Administrator in 14 states, providing technical assistance and training support for more than 4,000 database users. ICA supports data-driven solutions and community information systems that help communities address housing instability, homelessness, food insecurity and related issues. Responses to the CDA’s 2022 HOME-ARP survey support ICA data.

Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS)

As a nationwide database, the IDIS provides HUD with current information regarding the program activities underway across the Nation, including funding data. HUD uses this information to report to Congress and to monitor grantees. IDIS is the draw down and reporting system for the five CPD formula grant programs: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA); and for the CPD competitive grant program HOPWA Competitive. Grantees also use IDIS for Consolidated Planning.

Land Use Restriction Agreements (LURAs)

LURAs are recorded agreements tied to properties that set time periods for maintaining affordability. Required for housing developed with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits or Federal HOME funds, they ensure long-term affordability for low-income residents.

Linkage Fees

Also known as impact fees, linkage fees are an alternative to traditional inclusionary housing programs. These fees connect market-rate real estate development with affordable housing production by requiring contributions from developers. Originally designed for commercial projects, linkage fees support affordable housing where on-site units may be impractical.

Low Income Tax Credit (LIHTC)

Created by the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the LIHTC program gives State and local LIHTC-allocating agencies the authority to issue tax credits for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction of rental housing targeted to lower-income households. The minimum period of affordability is 15 years, but developments typically have a 30-year affordability requirement.

Low to Moderate Income (LMI)

LMI refers to individuals or families with incomes below 80% of HUD’s area median income (AMI). Moderate income is between 50%-80% of AMI, while low income is below 50%. LMI criteria guide CDA’s use of HUD funds, enabling programs and projects that benefit these income groups through affordable housing, community development, and public services.

Residential Market Value Analysis (MVA)

MVA is a tool that analyzes real estate market conditions and trends within a city, aggregated by census tract. It helps identify market strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, aiding policymakers and community developers in making informed decisions about housing investments and neighborhood revitalization.

Most Impacted and Distressed (MID)

Areas are federally designated zones identified by HUD after major disasters. These areas experienced the greatest levels of damage, economic disruption, or housing loss. The designation helps target recovery resources like CDBG-DR to where they’re needed most. MID areas must meet specific thresholds for impact, including property damage, population loss, or low-income concentration. In Missouri and St. Louis, MID designations have guided recovery from floods, tornadoes, and other disasters.

Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MOCADSV)

The City of St. Louis recorded 78 individuals who identified as survivors of domestic violence in its most recent PIT count. There were 75 individuals sheltered and 3 individuals unsheltered. However, 2021 data from the MOCADSV reveals a greater need for housing and services in the St. Louis region.

Missouri Homestead Preservation Act

This program assists eligible households with incomes up to $70,000, helping protect them from increases in property taxes by freezing the taxable value of their homes. The program is designed to aid seniors and those with disabilities in maintaining homeownership despite rising costs.

Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC)

MHDC is the state agency responsible for providing financial assistance for affordable housing in Missouri. It supports the development of low-income housing through tax credits, grants, and loan programs, helping to ensure that affordable, safe, and quality housing is available to residents across the state.

Missouri Institute of Mental Health (MIMH)

In the City of St. Louis, there has been an increase in the number of individuals who have died due to opioids and stimulants. The MIMH found in the City of St. Louis, the highest proportional increases for people who use opioids and stimulants combined were most evident among White males (+65%) followed by Black males (+44%). In 2021, Black males in St. Louis City had the highest rates.

Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim

More commonly known as the “circuit-breaker” tax program, it is a program for seniors and persons with disabilities who occupy their home for the entire year and have an income of $30,000 or less for a single person, or $34,000 or less for a married couple filing jointly.

Missouri Department of Economic Development (MODED)

MODED works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. The department provides resources for business expansion, community development, and job creation across the state.

Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC)

Defined under 2 CFR 200.68 as all direct costs incurred by an entity in carrying out a federal award, excluding certain items. These excluded items typically include:

• Equipment
• Capital expenditures
• Charges for patient care
• Tuition remission
• Rental costs
• Scholarships and fellowships
• Participant support costs

MTDC serves as the basis for determining the indirect cost rate and ensures consistency when allocating costs across multiple federal projects.

“All direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward. MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.”

Most Impacted and Distressed (MID)

Federally designated zones identified by HUD after major disasters. MID areas receive priority for recovery funds like CDBG-DR.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. Using the NEPA process, agencies evaluate the environmental and related social and economic effects on their proposed actions.

National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF)

NHTF is a federal program designed to increase and preserve the supply of affordable housing for extremely low- and very low-income households. It provides grants to states for the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing.

Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH)

NOAH refers to rental housing that is affordable without government subsidies. These units typically serve low- to moderate-income tenants. Cities, including St. Louis, often find it challenging to track the number and condition of NOAH units in the housing market.

Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)

NOFA is a public announcement for funding opportunities. CDA uses NOFAs to solicit housing production proposals, providing developers and organizations with the criteria and deadlines to apply for resources aimed at creating affordable housing.

Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA)

A Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grantee-designated area targeted for revitalization. An NRSA is different from other local targeted areas in that the designation is reviewed and approved by HUD. In return for the designation, grantees are afforded enhanced flexibility in undertaking economic development, housing and public service activities with their CDBG funds. The City’s Expired Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas are:

• North: Walnut Park West, North Pointe and Baden neighborhoods.
• Northwest: Hamilton Heights, Wells-Goodfellow, Kingsway West and Kingsway East neighborhoods.
• North Central: Fountain Park, Lewis Place, Vandeventer, The Ville, Greater Ville and Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhoods.
• Choice Neighborhood Plan Area
• Southeast (proposed): Bevo Mill, Dutchtown, Gravois Park and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)

Funded by HUD, NSP provides grants to stabilize communities that have suffered from foreclosures and property abandonment. The funds are used for housing rehabilitation, redevelopment, and homeownership assistance to help revitalize struggling neighborhoods.

Operating Agencies (OAs)

Operating Agencies are developers, subcontracted by CDA, who utilize the HUD funds to promote neighborhood growth and stabilization through community development and the production of new and rehabilitated housing, especially for low- and moderate-income people.

Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT)

PILOT refers to payments made by property owners or developers, typically of tax-exempt properties, instead of regular property taxes. These payments help compensate local governments for the loss of tax revenue and support public services like schools, infrastructure, and emergency services.

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is defined as “permanent housing in which housing assistance (e.g., long-term leasing or rental assistance) and supportive services are provided to assist households with at least one member (adult or child) with a disability in achieving housing stability.” (24 CFR 578.37(a)(1)(i))

Planned Industrial Expansion Authority (PIEA)

PIEA is a public agency in St. Louis that facilitates industrial and commercial development in blighted areas. It provides tax abatements and other incentives to encourage redevelopment, job creation, and economic growth in targeted areas of the city.

Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

A HUD-mandated count of people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. On January 24, 2024, 1,235 people were counted as unhoused in St. Louis City, including both sheltered and unsheltered individuals. This snapshot helps shape funding, planning, and services.

Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs)

A locally-funded rental assistance program under a PHA's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. PBVs tie rental assistance to specific housing units, increasing affordable housing in areas with good schools, jobs, or services. Families pay a portion of income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest—but the assistance doesn’t move if the family relocates.

Public Housing Agencies (PHAs)

Local agencies that manage public housing & housing assistance programs for low-income families, seniors & people with disabilities. They oversee public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers & PHA Plans with HUD.

Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP)

The QAP governs how the City awards funding for affordable housing projects, particularly through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). It sets criteria and priorities for selecting projects that meet local housing needs, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support affordable housing development.

Qualified Census Tract (QCT)

A QCT is a federal designation for census tracts where at least 50% of households have incomes below 60% of the area median gross income, or where the poverty rate is 25% or higher. This designation helps target federal funding for housing and community development programs to areas with the greatest need.

Qualifying Populations (QP)

QP refers to groups eligible for housing assistance, including the homeless, at-risk of homelessness, those fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, and other populations at great risk of housing instability. These populations are defined by federal regulations such as 24 CFR 91.5 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

Reentry Simulation

A hands-on learning experience that immerses participants in the complex realities of reentering society after incarceration. Designed for community members, students, and professionals in housing, healthcare, education, law, social services, or government, the simulation offers a powerful opportunity to step into the shoes of someone navigating systemic barriers to stability, employment, and support. Often used to build empathy and inform policy or practice, this tool supports deeper understanding of the reentry process.

Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Committee (RRLC)

The RRLC is a proposed project designed to encourage and support the rehabilitation and renovation of historic and/or underutilized homes. It provides financial assistance to homeowners and developers to help restore and revitalize these properties, preserving the character of neighborhoods while addressing housing needs.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

An RFP is a document issued by organizations or government agencies to solicit proposals for specific projects or services. It outlines project requirements, eligibility criteria, and submission guidelines, allowing vendors or contractors to bid on the work.

Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

An RFQ is a document issued by organizations or agencies to gather qualifications from vendors or contractors for specific projects. It focuses on the expertise, experience, and capabilities of potential bidders, rather than a detailed proposal.

Residential Market Value Analysis (MVA)

MVA is a tool that analyzes real estate market conditions and trends within a city, aggregated by census tract. It helps identify market strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, aiding policymakers and community developers in making informed decisions about housing investments and neighborhood revitalization.

Section 103

Ensures a level playing field by prohibiting communication of certain information during the selection process to persons who are not authorized to receive that information. This prevents giving an unfair advantage to applicants who would receive information not available to other applicants or to the public.

Section 106

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended) requires that any Federal agency having jurisdiction over a proposed Federal or federally-assisted undertaking or the authority to licence any undertaking, must, prior to the approval of any expenditure of Federal funds, take into account the effect of the undertaking on any district, site, building, structure, or object that is included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF)

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, delivers $350 billion to state, territorial, local, and Tribal governments across the country to support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency.

State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

The State Historic Preservation Office is the agency authorized to carry out the responsibilities of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. These activities include: reviewing nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, overseeing the state's architectural and archaeological survey programs, Section 106 Review and Compliance, managing Missouri’s Certified Local Government Program, reviewing state and federal historic tax credit applications, and administering Historic Preservation Grant programs.

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC)

SLDC is the economic development agency for the City of St. Louis, overseeing initiatives to promote growth, redevelopment, and investment in the city. It manages a variety of programs aimed at job creation, neighborhood revitalization, business expansion, and real estate development.

St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA)

SLHA is responsible for providing safe, affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families in St. Louis. The agency manages public housing developments and administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), ensuring access to quality housing across the city.

St. Louis Youth Jobs (SLYJ)

SLYJ is a citywide initiative that connects young people, ages 16-24, with meaningful employment opportunities. The program offers job training, mentorship, and employment placements to help youth build valuable skills and gain experience, promoting economic independence and career development.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

TIF is a public financing tool used to encourage economic development in blighted or underdeveloped areas. It allows municipalities to use future property tax increases (the "increment") resulting from a development project to finance the upfront costs of that project, such as infrastructure improvements.

Tenant Protection Vouchers (TPVs)

Tenant Protection Vouchers (TPVs) are provided to protect HUD-assisted families from hardship as the result of a variety of actions that occur in HUD’s Public Housing (Low-Rent), the Multifamily Housing portfolios, and Moderate Rehabilitation properties.  Under current HUD policy, TPVs may also be issued in connection to such actions for vacant units that have been occupied by a HUD-assisted family in the past 24 months.  Certain TPVs (called replacement TPVs) become part of the Public Housing Agency (PHA’s) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and may be reissued to families on the PHA’s waiting list upon turnover.  In contrast to replacement TPVs, relocation TPVs may not be reissued by the PHA after the initial family that received the TPV ceases to receive the voucher assistance.  Whether a TPV is a replacement or relocation TPV depends on whether the HUD-assisted housing is permanently lost.

Tenant Bill of Rights 

Specific protections to renters, such as the right to make repairs, the right to report violations without landlord retaliation, the right to counsel and limitations on evictions, and restrictions on application fees and deposit requirements.

Tenant Protection Vouchers (TPVs)

Provided to protect HUD-assisted families from hardship as the result of a variety of actions that occur in HUD’s Public Housing (Low-Rent), the Multifamily Housing portfolios, and Moderate Rehabilitation properties. Under current HUD policy, TPVs may also be issued in connection to such actions for vacant units that have been occupied by a HUD-assisted family in the past 24 months. Certain TPVs (called replacement TPVs) become part of the Public Housing Agency (PHA’s) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and may be reissued to families on the PHA’s waiting list upon turnover. In contrast to replacement TPVs, relocation TPVs may not be reissued by the PHA after the initial family that received the TPV ceases to receive the voucher assistance. Whether a TPV is a replacement or relocation TPV depends on whether the HUD-assisted housing is permanently lost.

The Women’s Safe House (TWSH)

TWSH is a nongovernmental domestic violence service provider that offers shelter, resources, and support for women and children fleeing abusive situations. The organization focuses on providing safe housing, advocacy, and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives free from violence.

To Be Hired (TBH)

In a table of organizations submitted in a grant application, some positions may not be filled or will be filled with the potential grant funding. The application my put TBH in the unfilled position instead of the name of the employee in that position.

Total Development Cost (TDC)

Total Development Cost (TDC) includes the costs of construction (both labor and materials), site acquisition, administration, planning, financing, equipment, demolition, and infrastructure.

Use Tax

The City of St. Louis' Use Tax is a 4.788% tax the City of St. Louis charges on items bought from out-of-state sellers (like online or catalog orders) when local sales tax isn’t collected. Missouri’s SB153 law passed in 2021 requires more out-of-state vendors to now collect this tax. It helps keep things fair for local businesses.

Weekly Housing & Match Meetings (WHAMM)

The City of St. Louis also conducts Weekly Housing & Match Meetings (WHAMM) to ensure that individuals with the most severe needs are connected to shelter and/or housing. COC members comprised mostly of street outreach, housing providers, Coordinated Entry System (CES) and HMIS Lead agency staff meet at WHAMM weekly to case conference persons in the Priority Pool and other cases as needed to prevent exits to non-permanent destinations. These reports help the COC to see progress monthly and are instrumental in helping the CoC monitor data such as exits to permanent housing. The COC’s CES utilizes WHAMM to facilitate lateral moves/transfers to help assist with maintaining permanent housing and exits to permanent housing destinations.

Withheld Housing Investment Capacity

This metric calculates the amount of housing investment that could exist if households spent the maximum recommended portion of their income on housing without becoming cost-burdened. It is the inverse of housing cost burden and is used to gauge market confidence and local attitudes toward housing costs and value trends.

World Wide Technology (WWT)

WWT is the provider of CDA’s grant management system for managing State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) awards. Their platform helps streamline and support the effective management, tracking, and disbursement of these grants.