On March 27, 2020 the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) was signed into law to assist communities in their efforts to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

National Objectives and Eligible Activities
As a condition for receiving funds, the program’s authorizing statute requires states and local governments to certify that proposed CDBG activities meet one of the program’s three national objectives.

Eligible activities must:
-principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons, defined as families and individuals whose household incomes do not exceed 80% of a jurisdiction’s median income;
-aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or
-meet an urgent need by addressing conditions that pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and safety of residents.

Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 identifies the categories of eligible activities that may be undertaken with CDBG funds. Generally, program activities fall into six broad categories: planning and administrative activities; public works and public facilities; housing-related activities; public services; economic development; and acquisition, demolition, and disposition of real property.