Community Development Block Grants and HOME Grants
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
CDBG funds are received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an annual basis to revitalize neighborhoods, expand affordable housing and economic opportunities, and/or improve community facilities and services, principally to benefit low-and moderate-income persons. CDBG Provides a flexible source of funding viable urban communities by providing decent affordable housing, creating suitable living environments, expanding economic opportunities, and/or improving community facilities and services, principally to benefit low- and moderate-income persons. The City, with the participation of local citizens, allocates resources toward projects that qualify as meeting one or more of the following three (3) broad national objectives set by Congress.
1. Benefit low and moderate-income persons:
2. Aide to prevent or eliminate slums and blight; or
3. Meet other community development needs in an urgent situation.
HOME Program
The City of Independence is a Participating Jurisdiction (PJ) utilizing federal HOME Funds which are specifically focused on the development of affordable housing. This may include the construction or rehabilitation of rental housing, the development of new housing for home ownership, and down payment assistance for first-time home buyers to assist in acquiring a city-funded NSP or HOME property. Funding can be used by for-profit and not-for-profit developers. Eligibility and appropriateness of project(s) are determined on a case-by-case basis. The City currently is focusing HOME resources on new housing development and scattered-site rehabilitation and resale of existing homes in the City. HOME housing units are restricted to income-eligible persons who meet standard mortgage underwriting guidelines.
Public Input Requested: 5-Year Strategic Plan for Housing and Community Development
The City of Independence is seeking community input to help shape its 5-Year Strategic Plan (Program Years 2026–2030) for investments in Affordable Housing, Homelessness Services, and Community Development activities. This plan will guide how the City allocates funding received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is a key component of the federally required Consolidated Plan. We invite residents, community organizations, and stakeholders to share their perspectives by completing a brief online survey. Your feedback will help the City identify local needs and set priorities for the next five years.
Copies of the paper survey are available at the following locations through Wednesday, December 17, 2025:
- Independence City Hall, 111 E Maple Ave, Independence
- Palmer Center, 218A N Pleasant St, Independence
- Roger T. Sermon Community Center, 201 N Dodgion St, Independence
- Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Rd, Independence
- Mid-Continent Public Library — North Independence, 317 West US Hwy 24, Independence
- Mid-Continent Public Library — South Independence, 13700 E. 35th St, Independence
- Kansas City Public Library — Trails West Branch, 11401 E. 23rd St, Independence
- Mid-Continent Public Library – East Independence, 4505 Little Blue Parkway, Independence
- Independence Housing Authority, 4215 S. Hocker Dr., Bldg. 5, Independence
CDBG Advisory Committee
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Committee meets annually to establish review criteria, review applications for Public Service CDBG funding, and to formulate a recommendations to the City regarding the appropriate allocation of Public Service CDBG funds.
Seven (7) Independence residents with an interest in serving the housing and community development needs of the City, each of which are appointed annually by one of the following organizations:
- Independence School District
- Independence Advisory Board of Public Health
- Independence Ministerial Alliance
- Independence Chamber of Commerce
- Truman Heartland Community Foundation
- Labor Management Council
- Service Organization Representative (rotating between Rotary, Lions & Kiwanis)
| Sequeira, Nicole | Independence School District |
| Morris, Terry | Independence Advisory Board of Health |
| Vacant | Labor Management Council of Greater Kansas City |
| Simcosky, Patti | Truman Heartland Community Foundation |
| Schofield-Wimberly, Reverend Sarah | Independence Ministerial Alliance |
| Wiley, Laurie Dean | Independence Chamber of Commerce |
| Vacant | Independence Rotary Club |