All of the HUD block grants for public housing is targeted to low-income communities and tribes. Local jurisdictions that request grants have to assess their communities needs, including specific broadband needs, and put all those needs into a Consolidated Plan. Typically jurisdictions take their plans and proposals to the economic development agency or department that in turn meets with the states for final approval.
In 2016, regulations were passed that mandated broadband (as defined by the FCC) infrastructure be built into all newly constructed public housing buildings or any major building rehabilitation. HUD leaves it up to the communities to figure out whether they want wireless or fiber or both when they ask for grant money.
There’s no “one size fits all” model when it comes to broadband planning. Every city has it various laundry list of needs and broadband may or may not be top on their list.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Overview
The CDBG Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states and local governments, to be used for economic and community development, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
The CPD Office oversees HUD Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to cities, counties, and states; the HOME affordable housing program; and programs to help end homelessness and promote economic revitalization.
Section 108 offers state and local governments the ability to transform a small portion of their CDBG funds into federally guaranteed loans large enough to pursue physical and economic revitalization projects.
Purpose
Planning (e.g., feasibility)
Broadband Infrastructure (e.g., construction)
Broadband Adoption
Digital Skills Training
Public Computer Access
Eligibility
Non-Profit Organizations
Rural Recipients.
State and Local Governments
Amount Available
FY2020 Funding Amount $3,425,000,000
Contact Website
Contact Website https://www.hudexchange.info/resource/4891/cdbg-broadband-infrastructure-faqs/
Section 108 Loan Guarantee
Overview
Section 108 offers state and local governments the ability to transform a small portion of their CDBG funds into federally guaranteed loans large enough to pursue physical and economic revitalization projects.
Purpose
Broadband Infrastructure (e.g., construction)
Broadband Adoption
Digital Skills Training
Public Computer Access
Broadband Financing
Eligibility
Non-Profit Organizations
State and Local Governments
Amount Available
FY 2020 $300,000,000
Contact Website
Contact Website https://www.hud.gov/states/shared/working/r7/mfnbornetworksfaq
Contact Information:
Agency Contact. Dina Lehman-Kim, (202) 402-243
Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG)
Overview
The Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) ensures safe, decent, and affordable housing, creates opportunities for residents’ self-sufficiency and economic independence, and assures the fiscal integrity of all program participants.
Purpose
The IHBG program funds a wide range of affordable housing activities in Indian Country that benefit primarily low- and moderate-income persons. Specifically, these grants can fund broadband infrastructure projects for tribal entities
Eligibility
Tribal Entities
Amount Available
FY 2020 $746,000,000
Contact Website
https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/BROADBANDGUIDANCE.PDF
Contact Information:
Contact your local HUD Field Office with questions
Neighborhood Networks (multifamily housing)
Overview
Neighborhood Networks establishes multi-service community technology centers that bring digital opportunity and lifelong learning to low- and moderate-income residents living in HUD housing.
Purpose
Broadband Adoption
Digital Skills Training
Public Computer Access
Amount Available
FY 2020 Capital Fund: $2.8 billion, Operating Fund: $4.5 billion
Contact Website
https://www.hud.gov/states/shared/working/r7/mfnbornetworksfaq
Contact Information:
Agency Contact (202) 402-2430, 703-915-8957
Title VI Loan Guarantee
Overview
The Title VI Loan Guarantee program assists Indian Housing Block Grant recipients to finance affordable housing construction and related community development. Bank can be used for broadband infrastructure construction for tribal entities.
Purpose
Broadband Adoption
Digital Skills Training
Public Computer Access
Eligibility
Indian Entities
Amount Available
FY 2020 2,000,000
Contact Website
https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/BROADBANDGUIDANCE.PDF
Contact Information:
Agency Contact. Dina Lehman-Kim, (202) 402-2430, 703-915-8957
Dina.Lehmann-Kim@hud.go_