Before grantees can receive funds, they must develop an Action Plan that details the unmet needs analysis, strategic priorities, and the plan for allocating funds to housing, economic development, infrastructure, and/or services programs. The State of Oklahoma developed this Action Plan for their $97.3 million CDBG-DR award in 2013. Although this Action Plan can’t be… Read more
This web page provides links to the various Public Laws authorizing appropriations and the associated notices. The rules and regulations, waivers and alternative requirements specific to CDBG-DR appropriation can be found in the Federal Register notice in which they were issued. Grantees and subgrantees should review the Federal Register notice in which their program was… Read more
Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grantees and subrecipients must follow all local, state and federal procurement requirements. Many localities are unfamiliar with federal procurement policies, making it easy to overlook requirements that can lead to noncompliance and repayment of funds. Download this sample procurement checklist from HUD to ensure compliance at each step… Read more
This fact sheet provides an introduction to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) program including information on who is eligible to receive this funding, how it can be used, and a basic overview of the process for implementing a CDBG-DR program. CDBG-DR grantees and subrecipients can use this fact sheet as a… Read more
Each CDBG-DR appropriation is authorized through a Public Law (PL) and the associated Federal Register (FR) Notice. Together, these detail the rules and regulations that govern the use of funds as well as any waivers to the CDBG rules. The following tips provide guidance to help grantees ensure they have a thorough understanding of… Read more
As one of the most vulnerable populations in disaster response and recovery, a community’s homeless population cannot be overlooked in disaster planning. June Gin, Veterans Emergency Evaluation Center (VEMEC) Research Health Scientist, recommends that stakeholders involved in the disaster planning process coordinate and collaborate with homeless service organizations during planning. If your community doesn’t have… Read more
The International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA’s) Elizabeth Kellar provides insight into the challenges and the importance of thinking long-term in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. From updating building code to implementing home buyout programs, Kellar cites examples of measures that communities have taken after disasters to successfully build back stronger and more resilient to… Read more
Trained staff are essential to making it through the initial 72-hour push after a disaster, when localities often have to go it alone. They also help ensure that the proper resources are attained in the weeks and months after a disaster and that the community is fully reimbursed for disaster recovery expenses. “The best work… Read more
FEMA offers seven online independent study related to public works, transportation, energy and infrastructure restoration. IS-558 — Public Works and Disaster Recovery IS-921.a — Implementing Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience IS-554 — Emergency Planning for Public Works IS-801 — Emergency Support Functions (ESF) #1 – Transportation IS-812 — Emergency Support Function (ESF) # 12 –… Read more
This FEMA guide outlines six planning steps and associated key activities to assist local governments in developing a comprehensive disaster response and recovery plan. Establishing clear roles and responsibilities and building relationships across community and regional leaders, organizations and individuals before a disaster can help your community become more resilient and recover faster from disasters.… Read more
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