The CDBG Allocation Process

The keystone to the annual allocation of CDBG funds in the City of Burlington is the Citizen Advisory Board, which makes funding recommendations to the Mayor and the City Council.  This citizen allocation process has been in place since the 1980's.  The Citizen Advisory Board reviews all funding proposals, including those made by the City.

Half of the members of the Citizen Advisory Board are elected by the Neighborhood Planning Assemblies,   three members are appointed by the Mayor, and the remaining members represent other stakeholders such as the State of Vermont and the United Way.  Members of the 2008 Board will meet during February, March and April to review this year's applications.  There will be a Public Hearing on April 28 to review the Board's funding recommendations.

Burlington's use of a Citizen Advisory Board to make recommendations on the best use of the City's annual federal CDBG appropriation has received national recognition, including a local Best Practice award from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.  The Board makes difficult but community-based decisions about addressing a broad spectrum of poverty-related needs with finite resources.

Board members normally serve a two-year term.  Most members find Board service to be a very rewarding experience.  If you're interested in serving, let your Neighborhood Planning Assembly or neighborhood association know!