Richland County Community Development is planning events to showcase how federally funded programs make a positive difference in the lives of low- and moderate-income families.

Programs like the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provide important resources for local residents, such as affordable housing opportunities, down payment assistance and neighborhood revitalization projects. The federal funding the County receives through these programs is administered by the Community Development Division, which is gearing up to celebrate National Community Development April 2-6.

“Community Development Week offers the opportunity for Congressional members, elected officials and community members to see firsthand the results of these programs by touring projects, meeting local staff and interacting directly with recipients served by the programs,” said Denise Teasdell of Richland County Community Development.

With the Federal Administration’s FY 2019 budget suggesting elimination of CDBG and HOME funds, it’s more important than ever to remind lawmakers how valued these programs are, she said.

Next week, Community Development staff will take elected officials, community leaders and housing managers on tours of some of the County’s federally supported organizations. Additionally, Richland County Community Development is promoting the following public events:

• 11 a.m. Monday, April 2: Community Development Week Kickoff at the County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia. This event will also commemorate April as Fair Housing Month and will celebrate the 55th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
• 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 3: Community Development Week Proclamation, County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia. During the County Council meeting, Council will present a proclamation to Community Development staff and partners.
• 11 a.m. Friday, April 6: Columbia Housing Authority’s 2018 Wall of Fame Celebration at Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way, Columbia. This partner event will highlight the accomplishments of former public housing residents.

For more information about these events, contact Denise Teasdell with Community Development at teasdelld@rcgov.us or 803-576-2044.