The Community Legacy program provides local governments and community development organizations with funding for essential projects aimed at strengthening communities through activities such as business retention and attraction, encouraging homeownership and commercial revitalization.
As a result of the Sustainable Communities Act of 2010. Community Legacy Areas are now known as Sustainable Communities. Funding, in the form of grants and loans, is available for projects located in these Sustainable Communities, formerly known as Community Legacy Areas, and is meant to compliment and supplement other State funding programs.
WHO CAN APPLY
The following entities may apply for Community Legacy funding for projects located in Sustainable Communities:
- Local governments
- Community development organizations (for example: county councils, community development corporations, main street organizations, downtown partnerships)
- Groups of local governments sharing a common purpose or goal
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
Projects should capitalize on the strengths of a community and be part of a larger revitalization strategy to revitalize a declining area.
Projects/activities typically include, but are not limited to:
- Mixed-use development consisting of residential, commercial and/or open space
- Business retention, expansion and attraction initiatives
- Streetscape improvements
- Increasing homeownership and home rehabilitation among residents
- Residential and commercial façade improvement programs
- Real estate acquisition, including land banking, and strategic demolition
- Establishing funds to provide loan guarantees and credit enhancement to leverage other public or private financing
There is a Neighborhood Intervention component of the Community Legacy program, to not exceed 15 percent of the Community Legacy fund. The Neighborhood Intervention component is intended to function as a preventative measure to address problem properties either in or outside of a Sustainable Community that have a negative impact in an otherwise largely stable community. Eligible applicants are Local Governments and Certified Community Development Financial Institutions.
CONTACTS
Contact a Regional Project Manager if you have any questions concerning the program or current funding opportunities: