The City of Scranton is an entitlement community, which means that it receives annual funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support community development activities. This funding is allocated explicitly for low-income individuals and families and the revitalization of neighborhoods; however, allocation can be divided between housing programs, infrastructure improvements, economic development, and public services.
The City of Scranton’s annual funding from HUD is known as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This program provides flexible financing to local governments to address various community development needs. The Community Development Department develops a Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan to outline the city’s initiatives. The Consolidated Plan is a five-year strategic plan, while the Annual Action Plan outlines specific projects and activities to be funded for the upcoming year.
The Consolidated Plan process will examine the previous five years and give an account of the city’s overall performance in meeting its community development goals. The plan is developed through a collaborative effort involving the Community Development Department, community organizations, and residents. Public input is also solicited to ensure that the plan reflects the needs and priorities of all community members.
The Annual Action Plan outlines specific projects and activities funded with CDBG funds for the year. These projects are selected based on their ability to address priority needs identified in the Consolidated Plan. The Annual Action Plan offers a more concise view of the city’s community development initiatives and provides a platform for monitoring progress throughout the year.
Scranton Five-Year Consolidated Plan[35]Download