The CDBG program is governed by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (the Act) and Federal regulations at 24 CFR 570, Subpart I. The introduction of the CDBG program in 1974 signaled a move away from individual categorized federal development assistance programs towards the block grant model, which gives communities broad latitude in using funds for a variety of development activities. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 authorized states to administer the CDBG programs.
