The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced changes in the Community Development Block Grant – Community Facilities program to help cities and towns across the state with funding for needed projects.

The changes will allow for a rolling application process, lower local match requirements and an expanded scope of eligible projects. 

Commerce Secretary David Toland said this will be a game changer for local communities.  He said in a press release, “For decades, we’ve seen too many worthy projects stalled due to rigid deadlines and high local match requirements. By streamlining the process and reducing financial burdens, we’re ensuring that cities and counties — large and small — can bring transformative projects to life.”   Toland said the process will be fair, flexible, transparent and focused on results.

The revamped CDBG – Community Facilities program will allow for projects ranging from emergency sirens and ADA upgrades to new libraries and major park developments. The transition from an annual competition to a rolling application process means that cities and counties can apply for funding year-round, receiving decisions in a matter of weeks rather than waiting months for a single funding cycle. Additionally, the local match requirement has been reduced from its normal 25% to a 10% match for small projects and 20% for large projects.

The key program enhancements include:

• Rolling Application Process: Applications will be accepted year-round starting May 1, with monthly reviews and grant agreements executed within five business days of approval.
• Reduced Match Requirements:
  • Small projects ($50,000 to $210,000) require only a 10% local match.
    • Examples include:
      • Accessibility and ADA Improvements
      • Parks and Recreational Facilities
      • Community Centers and Public Infrastructure
      • Public Safety and Emergency Service
  • Large projects ($210,001 to $1.5 million) require only a 20% local match.
    • Examples include:
      • Public Infrastructure and Facility Development
      • Public Safety and Emergency Services
      • Libraries and Educational Facilities
• Pre-Application for Readiness Screening: Cities and counties can submit a short pre-application starting April 1, 2025, to gauge project eligibility and receive feedback within five business days. The full application stage opens on May 1, 2025.
• Flexible Project Categories: Communities can apply for any eligible CDBG-funded project, from public safety improvements to large-scale community facility developments.