Arlington Receives Community Development Award

ARLINGTON, MA — Arlington has received the John A. Sasso National Community Development Week Award, the Department of Planning and Community Development announced Monday.

The award, which was presented during the National Community Development Association's (NCDA) virtual annual conference June 18, recognizes outstanding member efforts to promote and celebrate the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program during National Community Development Week.

The Select Board declared April 5-9 Community Development Week to highlight the impact of the CDBG. This included a virtual panel, which featured two CDBG sub-recipients, Arlington EATS and Food Link.

"This award is a reflection of the essential role CDBG plays in enhancing equity in Arlington through its partner organizations and agencies, and underscores the town's dedication to engaging community members in the CDBG planning process," said Jennifer Raitt, director of Planning and Community Development.

The CDBG program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) since 1974, provides grants to state and local governments. CDBG supports activities including housing rehabilitation, youth and senior services, small business assistance, and park renovations, among other activities. Activities funded by CDBG serve primarily low-to moderate-income individuals and households, in addition to seniors and persons with disabilities.

As an entitlement community, Arlington has received CDBG funds for 46 years and is preparing for the start of its 47th year July 1. This year marks the 21st year the John A. Sasso National Community Development Week Award has been presented.

Sasso was a leading national force in promoting CDBG and NCDA, and he cared deeply about the low- and moderate-income people and neighborhoods served by CDBG. Arlington joins five other communities nationwide, including the city of Quincy, in being designated an awardee this year.