The City of Arlington will celebrate its inaugural Community Impact Symposium at 8 a.m. on Aug. 20 at Arlington City Hall and the George W. Hawkes Library. This event commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

Funds for the CDBG are provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help create viable neighborhoods by providing decent housing, suitable living environments and opportunities to expand economic development, primarily for low- and moderate- income persons. Authorized in 1974, the CDBG program is one of the longest continuously run programs at HUD. It gives annual grants on a formula basis to over 1,200 units of general local government, insular areas and states.

The symposium will feature panel discussions from CDBG partners, reflecting on successes and achievements as well as addressing challenges and the future of the program. Speakers will include Mayor Jim Ross and Sherron Richards, field director for Congressman Marc Veasey, Congressional District 33, among others. 

Facilitated interactive workshops will cover topics like affordable housing and economic development. The event will recognize subrecipients that have partnered with the City and their programs that have impacted residents and the greater Arlington community. The event will culminate in a community showcase and trolley tour to observe different CDBG sites around the city.

Registration for the event is open through Aug. 20. Please note that all slots for the trolley tour have been filled.

Click here to register for the Community Impact Symposium.

Click here to learn more about the CDBG program.