CDA Announces 2025 CDBG Funding Cycle and Revamp of Commercial Facade Improvement Program

The City of St. Louis - Community Development Administration (CDA) posted on Friday, August 2, the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Request for Proposals (RFP), with $5,119,304 available in funds. Proposals are due to CDA by September 6th, 2024.

The CDBG program was established by Congress in 1974 through the Housing and Community Development Act. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s CDBG program develops urban communities by funding affordable housing, improving quality of life neighborhoods, and expanding economic opportunities primarily for low- and moderate-income individuals. CDBG operates on an annual funding cycle, and each year, municipalities and local governments are allocated funds to support various community development initiatives. CDBG funds are administered locally by the City of St. Louis’ CDA. The prior 2024 program year funding cycle had $4,996,484 of available funds.

CDA is currently developing its 2025 ‐ 2029 Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan process is data-driven and involves enhanced citizen participation. The following 2025 priorities have been identified from utilizing data from the 2025 – 2029 Consolidated Plan community-wide focus groups, a review of existing and active departmental plans, and federal CDBG statutes and regulations. All applications must still meet one of HUD’s three national objectives and be an eligible activity. All CDBG-funded activities must meet one of the following national objectives: benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons/households or prevent or eliminate slum or blight.

City of St. Louis Priorities / Eligible Activities:
High Priorities

• Youth Services
• Relocation
• Drug Abuse Counseling & Treatment
• Health Services & Public Improvements

Other Priorities

• Economic Development
• Affordable Housing: Rental & Homeowner Assistance, Production of New Units, and Rehabilitation of Existing Units
• Planning
• Public Facilities
• Public Improvements & Infrastructure
• Administration

Targeted Areas: The Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (NRSAs) are targeted areas for prioritized investment. The proposed NRSAs for HUD approval as part of the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan include:
North NRSA: Baden, North Pointe, and Walnut Park West neighborhoods

• Northwest NRSA: Wells-Goodfellow, Hamilton Heights, Kingsway East, and Kingsway West neighborhoods
• North Central NRSA: Greater Ville, Ville, Jeff Vanderlou, Vandeventer, Lewis Place, and Fountain Park neighborhoods
• Choice NRSA: Near Northside Choice Neighborhood Footprint and Old North St. Louis and St. Louis Place neighborhoods

These areas will receive enhanced flexibility and bonus points for projects that benefit the residents within these designated NRSAs.

Commercial Facade Improvement Program Revamp

The CDA is now administering the Commercial Facade Improvement Program. This program provides 5-year forgivable loans to small business and commercial property owners to incentivize improvement of the character and physical appearance of their building exteriors and storefronts. The application and instructions for the Commercial Facade Improvement Program are in the 2025 CDBG RFP document.

Application Process

The CDA encourages both existing grantees and new applicants, including non-profits, neighborhood groups, and Community-Based Development Organizations (CBDOs), to apply for funding. This annual cycle offers an opportunity for organizations to secure funding for projects that align with the CDBG program’s goals and priorities. 

Interested organizations should visit the CDA website at www.stlouis-mo.gov/cda/cdbg to access the full RFP document and detailed instructions on eligibility, required documentation, and the application process. All proposals must be submitted through EGrAMS, CDA’s electronic grants management system available at www.stlouis-mo.gov/cda/egrams/ 

Important Dates

• 7/22/24: Funding Priorities Published
• 8/2/24: Issued CDBG Non-Housing Production RFP
• 8/2/24: Held Public Hearing and Hybrid RFP Overview: Timeline, Process, Eligible Applicants & Uses
• 8/15/24: Virtual Capacity Building Training Best Practices: Financial Management; Reporting & Recordkeeping
• 9/6/24: CDBG Proposals Due to CDA
• 10/11/24: Funding Recommendations Posted to CDA Website
• 10/11/24: Annual Action Plan Posted for Public Comment
• 10/11/24: Introduction of Board Bill
• 10/11/24: Board Bill Submitted to Mayor's Office for E&A Approval
• Week of 10/15/24: HUDZ Committee Meeting No. 1
• Week of 10/18/24: Board of Aldermen Second Reading
• Week of 10/25/24: Board of Aldermen Perfected Reading
• Week of 11/1/24: Board of Aldermen Final Reading
• 11/7/24: Public Hearing No. 2 (Funding Awards)
• 11/15/24: Final 2024 Annual Action Plan Submitted to HUD

The public hearing recording is available on the City of St. Louis' YouTube channel. Organizations can also check the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas map for targeted areas.

About the Community Development Administration

The Community Development Administration (CDA) is committed to enhancing the quality of life in St. Louis through strategic investments in housing, economic development, and public services. The CDA works to ensure that all residents have access to safe, affordable housing and opportunities for economic advancement.