The City of Douglas was recently recognized by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for receiving the Community Development Block Grant CDBG), Community Home Investment Program (CHIP) funds and creating a Revitalization Area Strategy (RAS). The Community Development Department created a plan that utilizes information from the Urban Redevelopment Plan (URP) and Revitalization Area Strategy to address declining areas in Douglas in regards to housing, business, and infrastructure. This departmental plan has assisted with the award of several grants.
“We have very dedicated employees working on behalf of Douglas citizens in the Community Development Department,” says City Manager Charles Davis. “It is through developing plans and solutions that address areas in decline that Douglas receives grants such as the CDBG funds and CHIP grants. We have a great team working together with Mrs. Georgia Henderson, Director, to ensure that grant funds will help citizens in the target areas.”
Based on the URP, the targeted areas submitted for CDBG and CHIP funding were chosen due to the high priority of decline in housing. The city was awarded $1,036,875.00 in CDBG funds and CHIP funds for low to moderate income residents for housing rehabilitation and possible housing reconstruction. Using these two grants together will maximize the impact for the area. Through using the plans developed in the RAS, the city has worked with partners to develop innovative strategies and a commitment to redevelop targeted areas with a comprehensive approach. The Community Development Department is currently managing over $5 million in a variety of grants and have pending awards in the same amount.
Combining the URP, RAS, and creating Enterprise Zones will allow more grant and incentive opportunities for revitalization in areas that have suffered decline or lack of investment. The Community Development Department remains dedicated to seeking new funding to increase the quality of life and raise housing standards for citizens in Douglas.
For more information about the Community Development Department, please contact Georgia Henderson, ghenderson@cityofdouglasga.gov or 912-383-0277.
Pictured:
Photo: Front Row (L-R) Commissioner Kentaiwon Durham, Georgia Henderson (Community Development Director), Commissioner Olivia Pearson, Mayor Tony Paulk, Michael Jacobs (SGRC Regional Rep.), Kelly Lane (DCA Region 11 Rep.)
Back Row (L-R): DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn, Roy Guy (CHIP Housing Rehab Coordinator), Commissioner Edwin Taylor, Charles Davis (City Manager)
