The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $72.6 million to 38 communities through the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) program. The funding is aimed at supporting American Indian and Alaskan Native families on reservations and in other Indian areas, with a focus on infrastructure, community buildings, housing rehabilitation, land acquisition, and economic development.
HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman emphasized the importance of these investments: “We continue to make strong community development investments in Indian country,” she said. “This funding allows Tribal Nations to meet the needs of their communities and make critical infrastructure improvements.”
The grant process was informed by feedback from Tribes through Tribal consultation, which helped shape the Notice of Funding Opportunity and expedited the application review and award process.
Richard Monocchio, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, highlighted the leadership role of Native American Tribes: “Native American Tribes are leading the charge to upgrade infrastructure in their communities,” he stated. “As housing and community development needs arise in Indian Country, we continue to support Tribal Communities projects to develop more innovative solutions to these challenges.”
In addition to this funding, HUD is recognizing efforts in community building within Tribal Nations with the inaugural Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Tribal Communities. This award honors innovative approaches that benefit HUD-assisted Tribal residents across several priority areas including community development and new housing construction.
The recipients of today's ICDBG program awards include various tribal organizations across regions such as Alaska, Eastern Woodlands, Northern Plains, Northwest, Southern Plains, Southwest among others. For instance, Angoon Community Association in Alaska received $2 million while Chippewa Cree Housing Authority in Montana was awarded $2 million as well.
For more details about the ICDBG program's impact on Tribal communities or information about applying for awards like the Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Tribal Communities, visit www.hud.gov/codetalk.
