Community and Economic Development

Community Development Programs

The City of Williamsport receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our objective is "development of viable communities, by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low and moderate income persons.” HUD defines low-and moderate-income as less than 80% of the Area Median Income adjusted for household size.

For more information about the services and programs offered, please follow the links below.

Williamsport offers a variety of Housing and Community Development Programs including:

· Affordable Housing or Home Buyer Assistance programs

· Housing Rehabilitation (home repair) programs

· A Commercial Facade Improvement program loan for repair of commercial property exteriors.

· Public Facility and Infrastructure improvement such as street reconstruction, sidewalks, curb ramps, street tree installations, fire hydrant upgrades, sewers and storm drainage improvements.

· Fair Housing services

· Economic Development including Micro Enterprise and Lerta Tax Reduction

· Accessibility Improvements such as ramps and accessible bathrooms for disabled City residents.

· Support to homeless shelters and transitional housing programs.

· Improvements to Parks and other city Recreation Facilities

· and other Public Services

To review Public Notices or various Community Development Status Reports visit: Public Notices and Public Reports pages.

The City of Williamsport helps provide decent, safe and affordable housing by:

Expanding the supply of decent affordable housing for lower income residents.
Strengthening local ability to provide adequate, affordable housing.
Developing partnerships with non-profits and for-profits to produce affordable housing.

Williamsport reserves funds for Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO). A CHDO is a private, non-profit organization that provides decent, affordable housing to lower income households. The City has two CHDO's, Habitat for Humanity and Lycoming Neighborhood Development Corporation (LNDC)

How to apply for a CDBG or HOME program

You can apply for programs through out the year on this web site or by contacting our office at 570-327-7511.

Learn about the Historic District: Millionaires Row Historic District Information

For Lead Paint Hazard information see: Lead Based Paint

For Housing Repair Programs visit: Housing Rehabilitation Programs

Learn about Home Buyer Assistance programs at: Home Buyer Assistance

For Economic Development incentives visit: Economic Development

For our program income limits visit: Income Limits

To view the Multi Municipal Comprehensive Plan visit: Comprehensive Plan

Non Profit Organizations can apply for CDBG funds in August. The availability of applications and submission deadlines are announced each year.

Non Profit applications must meet one of three national objectives:

Benefit Low-and Moderate-Income Persons
Aid in the Prevention or Elimination of Slums or Blight
Meet an Extremely Urgent Community Need

Federal regulations require at least 70% of CDBG funds are used for projects that demonstrably benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Contact the Community Development Office for national objective criteria. All activities must meet funding guidelines and be consistent with the goals and objectives of the City of Williamsport’s Consolidated Plan.