Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG) totaling $799,000 have been allocated for Springfield COVID-19 relief, and a city commission has recommended financially assisting small businesses and providing rental assistance to low-income residents.

The Springfield Community and Economic Development Commission, comprised of business owners and nonprofit organizations, is working with the city’s Office of Planning and Economic Development and seeking public input before a plan is finalized.

Two virtual public hearings will take place. The first is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, at 5 p.m. Individuals may register at this link  https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAldeCspzMvGdFftn6LiaTZjmNmtUsh7wOD in order to make their comments live during the meeting.  The hearing will be broadcast live on Comcast Cable channel 18 and streamed on the city’s website. Due to COVID-19, the council chamber is closed to the public.

The next virtual hearing will take place on Thursday, May 14 at 5 p.m. To register to speak at this meeting, email feedback@springfield.il.us or call the Office of Planning and Economic Development at 217-789-2377 in advance.

Residents may also submit comments through the website, via email to feedback@springfield.il.us., or through U.S. mail to the Office of Planning and Economic Development, 800 E. Monroe, 1st Floor, Springfield, Illinois 62701.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federal program issued by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. Due to the coronavirus health pandemic, the City of Springfield received an additional $799,000 in funding to be used on programs and needs that have been negatively impacted due to COVID-19. These funds are designated for low- to moderate-income persons and locations.