Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

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What is it?

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is a federal grant designed to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons. The City of Newton’s CDBG funds are allocated among the following categories:

1. Affordable Housing | 2. Human Services | 3. Architectural Access

FY2026 Community Development Block Grant RFP

The City of Newton's Housing and Community Development Division announces the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds for Fiscal Year 2026. During the FY26/FFY25 program year, the City anticipates receiving approximately $1,900,000 in CDBG funds and $164,000 in ESG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Affordable Housing
Human Services
Architectural Access

Summary

About 65% of the CDBG funds is put towards to development, preservation, and rehabilitation of affordable housing in the City of Newton. In addition, the City receives approximately $130,000 annually in HOME funding, all of which supports affordable housing projects in Newton.

Current Housing Development Projects

West Newton Armory

Following the City's acquisition of the West Newton Armory for $1 and a competitive RFP process, the City selected Metro West Collaborative Development and Civico Development team to redevelop the Armory into 43 units of deeply affordable housing, restricted at or below 65% AMI.

City Funding:

Funding Source	Amount
Community Preservation Act (CPA)	$3,000,000
CDBG	$930,000
Inclusionary Zoning	$890,000
HOME	$822,664.95
HOME-ARP	$625,000
Total	$6,267,665

Summary

The City of Newton’s Human Services Grants support programs that promote economic stability and mobility for low- and moderate-income residents. Each year, the City allocates 15% (approximately $296,000) of its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to nonprofit organizations providing essential services, that focus on advancing low- and moderate-income populations toward achievement of economic mobility and/or stability across the lifespan.

Funding is awarded annually through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Applications are reviewed by Housing & Community Development Division staff and an RFP Review Committee, with final funding decisions made by the Mayor following recommendations from the Planning and Development Board.

Typical Funding Timeline for Applicants

Early January: CDBG Human Service Request for Proposal (RFP) released
End of January: Application deadline
Mid February: Proposals reviewed by committee and staff
Early April: Funding recommendations presented to the Planning & Development Board for Approval at the Public Hearing
April: Public comment period for 30 days
Mid April: Annual Action Plan (AAP) presented to Zoning and Planning Committee (ZAP) which outlines annual City funding priorities
May: Mayor reviews the Annual Action Plan (AAP)
Mid May: Annual Action Plan is submitted to Federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
July 1 (annual fiscal year start date): Funding begins
Fall: HUD distributes finalized funding to the City

Most Recent Funding Distribution

HUMAN SERVICES FY26
The Newton Food Pantry / Funding for Food and Supplies	$15,000.00
Boys & Girls Club of Newton / Financial Aid for Teens and Families	$12,270.00
West Suburban YMCA / Childcare Financial Aid Program	$25,000.00
Family ACCESS of Newton / Sustaining Access to Childcare for Low-Income Families	$20,000.00
Jewish Big Brothers & Big Sisters / Mentoring Initiatives	$10,000.00
2Life Communities / Caring Choices and Wellness Nursing for Low-Income Seniors	$10,000.00
Jewish Family & Children's Service / Stabilization & Recovery Services	$14,000.00
Newton Community Development Foundation / Resident Services Program	$25,000.00
Newton Housing Authority / Resident Services Program	$23,000.00
Plowshares Education Development Center / Tuition Assistance for Childcare	$11,000.00
Pathway to Possible / Clinical Social Worker	$10,000.00
Horace Cousens Industrial Fund / Emergency Payment for Families in Financial Crisis	$35,000.00
The Second Step / Community Programs for Survivors of Domestic Violence	$24,000.00
Dept. of Parks & Rec. / Financial Aid for Youth Summer Camp & Senior Programs	$20,000.00
Riverside Community Care / Mental Health Services Promoting Health, Well-Being, and Self-Sufficiency	$20,000.00
Total	$274,270.00

Priorities for Human Service Grants

Program Area	Proposed Outcome of Services
Enrichment and Care for Vulnerable Youth Ages 0–18 Years	Provide skill building in any area (academic, physical, social, emotional, or financial literacy) with a demonstrated outcome of increasing children’s well-being. Provide physical and/or mental health services that meet a need otherwise unlikely to be met. Increase high school graduation rates, college readiness, college enrollment rates, and/or career identification/pathways for at-risk students.
Stability and Self-Sufficiency for Vulnerable Adults Ages 19–61 Years	Promote career preparation and family support with an emphasis on jobs that pay self-sustaining and/or family-sustaining wages. Promote increased stability for populations who are at the highest risk of “falling through the cracks,” including interventions for becoming more independent once stabilized, such as financial coaching or literacy. Provide physical and/or mental health services that meet a need otherwise unlikely to be met.
Promoting Economic Security and Vitality for Older Adults, Aged 62+	Increase the number of vulnerable older adults with long-term financial plans that will provide economic stability throughout retirement. Provide currently underserved and/or isolated vulnerable older adults with new social networks and/or community engagement opportunities, including lifelong learning, volunteer opportunities, and/or “encore careers.” Provide physical and/or mental health services that meet a need otherwise unlikely to be met.

Project Name	Fiscal Year	Type	Project Description	CDBG Funding	Status
McGrath Park	FY2022	Path	Construction of an accessible perimeter path around Richard McGrath Park.	$91,300	Active
Langley/Warren/Chase	FY2023	Street Work	Installation of accessible crossings and a curb extension at Langley Road and Warren Street.	$100,000	Completed
City Hall Campus	FY2024	Street Work	Installation of two curb cuts connecting pedestrians to the accessible elevator entrance at City Hall.	$42,000	Completed
Langley-Sumner-Beacon	FY2025	Street Work	Construction of curb extensions, ADA-compliant curb ramps, and realigned crosswalks to improve pedestrian access.	$190,000	Active
Lincoln/Harrison – MBTA Eliot Station	FY2026	Street Work	Pedestrian access improvements across Harrison Street to complete an ADA-compliant connection to MBTA Eliot Station.	$30,000	Active
Lincoln-Bowdoin RRFB	FY2026	Street Work	Installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at Lincoln Street and Bowdoin Street near Hyde Playground.	$25,000	Completed
Newton Housing Authority Main Office Improvements	FY2027	Building	Accessibility improvements to the main office, including lobby reconfiguration, accessible doors, counters, mailboxes, parking, and signage.	$90,200	Active
Marter Sender Pathway Installation (Phase 1)	FY2021	Path	Construction of approximately 1,300 feet of accessible pathway from Auburndale Park toward Lyons Field.	$52,000	Completed
FY2021 Curb Cuts	FY2021	Street Work	Installation and upgrades of ADA-compliant curb ramps, sidewalks, and related traffic-signal infrastructure along Watertown Street.	$84,043	Completed

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Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

What is it?

1. Affordable Housing | 2. Human Services | 3. Architectural Access

FY2026 Community Development Block Grant RFP

Summary

Current Housing Development Projects

Summary

Typical Funding Timeline for Applicants

Most Recent Funding Distribution

Priorities for Human Service Grants

Summary