Office of
Community Planning and Development
The Office of Community Planning and Development’s (CPD) mission is to enable the development of viable urban, suburban and rural communities by promoting integrated approaches to housing, community and economic development. These communities are to offer decent and affordable housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons. The Assistant Secretary for CPD administers formula and competitive grant programs that help communities plan and finance their growth and development, increase their capacity to govern and provide shelter and services for homeless persons and other persons with special needs, including persons with HIV/AIDS, and for certain Department-wide functions, including relocation and environment. These responsibilities are carried out by CPD staff in Headquarters and in 43 Field units.
The DAS for Special Initiatives provides advice and counsel to the Assistant Secretary on major CPD policies and programs, particularly the Colonias. Under the leadership of the DAS, the office assists with the education and implementation of consolidating planning, re-organization of McKinney Act programs, implementing the Continuum of Care as a model to address the homeless problem, and other HUD policies in Western areas of the United States.
The DAS for Economic Development advises on and promulgates policies and procedures for economic development programs that address the economic needs of low- and moderate-income persons. Under the leadership of the DAS, the office recommends legislation and budget levels for the programs, or such new initiatives as may be appropriate. It also serves as the Assistant Secretary’s principal point of contact with all other elements of the Department and other Federal agencies, as well as with private sector and state and local governments, on matters affecting economic development and rural revitalization. The DAS provides a unified approach to assisting communities in addressing their economic development issues. The DAS for Economic Development exercises oversight of the following organizational components:
Office of Economic Development (OED) – Serves as the central point of contact within CPD for coordinating with other Departmental units on activities relating to economic development, including activities such as assessing national economic needs, reviewing Departmental and other governmental and nongovernmental activities responsive to that need. The office provides liaison with outside groups involved in economic development and is responsible for the development of new national economic development policies and programs. This office consists of two divisions: Congressional Grants Division and
Grants Management Division.
Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED) – Provides oversight and administration of the Rural Housing and Economic Development Program. RHED helps to develop capacity at the State and local level for developing rural housing and for economic development. The office works with Indian tribes, State housing finance agencies, State community and/or economic development agencies, local rural nonprofits and community development corporations to support innovative housing and economic development activities in rural areas.
Office of Community Renewal – Provides leadership and guidance for all aspects of the Renewal Communities (RC) Initiative and the Enterprise Communities/Empowerment Zone Initiative (EC/EZ), including strategic and comprehensive planning, promoting capacity building for local community-based organizations and neighborhood groups. The office advises the DAS on the formulation and implementation of efforts to promote strategic planning and community sustainability initiatives to the RC and EC/EZ designees.
The DAS for Special Needs Programs advises the Assistant Secretary on all aspects of homeless assistance activities within CPD and provides the linkage with other Departmental units and other governmental agencies concerned with homeless assistance. The DAS exercises oversight of the following organizational components:
Office of HIV/AIDS Housing – Develops and implements programs and policies designed to address the housing and specialized service needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Provides linkage with other Federal agencies that are establishing and implementing policies and regulations that support the needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Administers the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS program for the Department. Serves as focal point for the Department on all aspects of housing and related HUD initiatives developed for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs – Administers programs created by the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. The office develops, promulgates, monitors and coordinates policies, procedures, standards, regulations, reports, and advisory materials which aid in the implementation/administration of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. The programs provide grant funding to States and local governments, and non-profit organizations to run programs that combine housing and supportive services for homeless persons. This office consists of three divisions: Community Assistance, Program Coordination and Analysis, and State Assistance.
HUD Veteran Resource Center – Develops policy and procedures which increases veteran specific service providers’ and non-veteran specific homeless service providers’ knowledge and utilization of public and private sector resources and services for homeless military veterans. Expands the involvement and participation of national, State, and community-based veteran service organizations in CPD policy/program development and grants management activities.
The DAS for Grant Programs is responsible for assisting the Assistant Secretary with planning, developing, administering and coordinating community planning and development efforts with other Departments and agencies, public and private organizations, and private industry and financial markets. The DAS exercises authority over the following organizational components:
Office of Block Grant Assistance (OBGA) – Advises and assists the DAS on all aspects of the Community Development Block Grant programs for Entitlement Communities, State and Small Cities and Insular Areas in accordance with Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. In addition, the office is responsible for the financial closeout of projects and the collection of funds due to the Government for projects under a number of categorical grant programs; the development and interpretation of financial management policy and instructions for CDBG and loan applications; and the administration of the disaster relief provision of Section 933 of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 and long-term disaster recovery grants from supplemental appropriations. This office consists of four divisions: Entitlement Communities, States and Small Cities, Financial Management, and Disaster Recovery and Special Issues.
Office of Affordable Housing Programs (OAHP) – Administers the HOME and HOPE 3 programs; the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS); implements Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) rehabilitation policy and operations and the Department’s relocation, acquisition and replacement housing requirements under the Uniform Act and Section 104(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act; oversees servicing of Section 312 Rehabilitation Loans; and close-out of the Rental Rehabilitation, Section 312 and Urban Homesteading programs. The office consists of three divisions: Financial Management & Information Services, Relocation & Real Estate, and Program Policy.
The Office of the DAS for Operations is responsible for the internal management of resources available to CPD. The office provides management support for the use and control of staff and fund resources, program and salaries and expenses budgets, management analysis and improvement services, organizational development, staffing, training and personnel management. In addition, the office develops and implements policies, programs/projects, and procedures for formulating and implementing technical assistance strategies which assist local government officials in improving the management and effectiveness of the CDBG Program, HOME, Homeless, and other community and economic development programs, as well as a variety of Secretarial and statutory initiatives related to CPD’s mission. The Office of the DAS for Operations exercises oversight of the following organizational components:
Office of Technical Assistance and Management – Plans and coordinates a variety of administrative and management functions for Headquarters and for the Field, including human resources, training, labor and employee relations, space management, procurement, travel, management analysis, time and attendance, correspondence management, and budget. Oversees the administration of CPD’s technical assistance programs/projects and procedures for formulating and implementing technical assistance strategies to assist local government officials, field staff, and grantees improve the management of CDBG and other community development programs. This office consists of four divisions: Budget, Management, Technical Assistance, and Systems Development and Evaluation.
Office of Field Management – Formulates and administers CPD policies and procedures pertaining to Field performance, including staffing levels, resource allocation,
program objectives, monitoring and operational review of assigned Field territory. Also provides direction in the execution of the Department’s plans and priorities at the Field level. This office consists of a combination of 43 CPD offices/divisions in the Field and two management divisions (i.e., Division 1 and Division 2) in Headquarters.
Office of Policy Development and Coordination – Coordinates with CPD program offices on the
analysis and review of legislative proposals impacting CPD programs; works with
the Office of General Counsel to ensure the development of regulations
implementing CPD policy; and assists with resolving issues arising in the
development and clearance of regulations.
Conducts special studies and analyses regarding high-level policy issues;
program and funding options; strategic alternatives; cost-benefit assessments;
impact assessments; alternative financial or management strategies or other
major concerns related to Departmental policies, programs, or legislation.
Office of Environment and Energy – Provides the focal point in HUD for environment and energy policies, procedures, and standards, and maintains oversight of their implementation at Headquarters and in the Field. Serves as the lead HUD program office working with related Federal agencies (such as DOE, CEQ, and EPA) and with concerned private groups, local and State governments, and certain international organizations in the discharge of the Department’s community viability responsibilities. This office consists of two divisions: Environmental Planning and Environmental Review. The Office of Environment and Energy reports directly to the General Deputy Assistant Secretary for CPD.