Community Development, a division of the Development Services Department, works in partnership with citizens, non-profit agencies, City departments, and others in order to benefit low and moderate income people and improve their neighborhoods.  This Division administers funds received by the City of Kissimmee under the HUD Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, and the Florida State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program, through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.   In addition, the Division administers two (2) grants as a direct result of the Hurricanes of 2004 – Disaster Recovery Initiatives Grant (a special HUD federal CDBG appropriation passed through the Florida Department of Community Affairs) and the Hurricane Housing Recovery Program (a special Florida legislative appropriation passed through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation).  Activities undertaken under these various grants are projects that primarily benefit low and moderate income people and their neighborhoods.

The City of Kissimmee’s comprehensive approach to community development is reflected in the breadth and scope of the activities in which it provides funding (both grants and loans).   The Community Development Division works closely with the Neighborhood Improvement Division in developing activities that meet the needs of the community.  The following is a description of each of the grants and activities the City of Kissimmee administers for the benefit of low and moderate income families and their neighborhoods.  The program areas range from new in-fill housing, rehabilitation of owner-occupied housing, down payment and closing cost assistance, construction of public facilities, reconstruction of infrastructure, code enforcement, and social services.

Community Development Block Grant Program

Background Information:
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is an entitlement grant awarded to the City of Kissimmee through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that is based upon need factors including population, income, unemployment level, and housing conditions.

The CDBG program's primary national objective is the development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic development opportunities principally for persons of low and moderate income.  CDBG funds are to be used for a wide range of housing and community development activities directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development and improved community facilities, infrastructure and services.  Activities should benefit low and moderate-income persons or aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight.  Funds may also be used to meet other community development needs that present a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community, such as conditions caused by hurricanes or tornados.

Usage of the CDBG funds is guided by the City’s Consolidated Plan.   The Consolidated Plan establishes Kissimmee’s long-range strategy for investment of its CDBG funds and other financial resources linked to activities directed at the City’s community development, housing and homeless services needs.  The Plan covers a five-year period, beginning October 1, 2004, and ending September 30, 2009.

To view a summary of the Consolidated Plan, click here.