What We Do
The Community Development division manages the City of Colorado Springs' annual entitlement funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all people in Colorado Springs.
A positive impact in the community
Learn more about the many ways that we partner with non-profit and for-profit organizations; and philanthropic foundations to help vulnerable individuals and families in our community overcome challenges by finding affordable places to live, improving their neighborhoods, and preventing homelessness.
- How Community Development helps vulnerable individuals and families in our community
- Innovative assistance program helps small businesses “survive and thrive”
- City partners with Brothers Redevelopment to fix up homes for low-income seniors
- Celebrate local impact with National Community Development Week (link is external)(Gazette op ed by Steve Posey)
- Low-income families see a bright future thanks to new affordable housing project
- Ending veteran homelessness (Behind the Springs Podcast)
- City rolls out new goals to improve housing stability and affordability
Funding
Colorado Springs receives about $5 million in entitlement grant funds annually from the federal government through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds have a tremendous impact on our residents' quality of life, neighborhood services, local businesses, community infrastructure, homelessness and housing. Funds are allocated annually by the U.S. Congress.
Read the full report on expenditures and impact contained in the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report
HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
HOME funds a wide range of activities including building, buying and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership. Funds can also be used to provide direct rental assistance to low-income residents. HOME is the largest Federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are used to improve local communities by providing decent housing, improved infrastructure, public facilities and services, and improved economic opportunities for low and moderate income residents. These funds may also be used for activities that help prevent or eliminate slums or blight or for projects that meet urgent community needs.
The Community Development Division maintains and builds many public-private relationships to find shovel ready, high impact housing, infrastructure, and economic development projects around the city. Public service funds are awarded on a competitive basis every year.
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
ESG funds assist individuals and families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness.
The Community Development Division annually solicits applications from service providers who manage homeless prevention, rapid rehousing, street outreach, and emergency shelter services and awards ESG funds on a competitive basis.