City of Lawrence
Neighborhood Resources Department
TO: David L. Corliss, Interim City Manager
THRU: Victor Torres, Director, Neighborhood Resources
FROM: Margene K. Swarts, Community Development Manager
DATE: March 9, 2006
Attached is a spreadsheet history of the Lawrence CDBG program for the years 2000 – 2006. As you can see, the grant amount has steadily declined from the high of $1,125,000 in 2001. The local effect is less funding for low and moderate income persons through the rehabilitation and other housing improvement programs, capital improvement infrastructure projects in eligible neighborhoods and repairs to structures that house public service agencies that serve low and moderate income clientele, as well as fewer public service activities for low and moderate clientele and eligible neighborhoods in the community.
This is a vulnerable population in any community and without CDBG funding, there are fewer options and opportunities to maintain decent, safe, and sanitary housing, a decent living environment, and sustain viable neighborhoods. It is hoped that the funding decline for the CDBG program will be reversed and the community can benefit in the future from additional funding.
Should you have further questions, please let me know.