Community Resources

We’ve been learning how housing rehabilitation and demolition projects are funded in Alton, and why it can be difficult to turn available funding into real neighborhood investment. This page shares what we’ve learned so far — in plain language — and links to public resources for those who want to dig deeper.

How are public demolition projects in the City of Alton funded?

Most public demolition projects in Alton are federally funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars.

What is CDBG funding?

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). These funds are intended to support housing rehabilitation, neighborhood stabilization, homeownership assistance, and, when necessary, demolition in low- to moderate-income communities.

How does CDBG funding flow to Alton?

• HUD provides CDBG funding
• Madison County administers the program through its Community Development Department
• Eligible municipalities, including the City of Alton, receive annual allocations
• The City determines how its share is used locally, within federal guidelines

Are funds available for housing rehabilitation in Alton?

Yes. CDBG funds are allocated each year for housing rehabilitation in Alton, as part of the City’s annual Community Development Block Grant budget.

However, Madison County Community Development administers the program on the City’s behalf. This means the County determines when rehabilitation programs are open, based on capacity, contractor availability, and federal compliance requirements.

For current program status and application information, visit:
Madison County Community Development – CDBG Program
https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/community_development/community_development_block_grant_%28cdbg%29_program.php

Where Contractors Can Find Housing Rehab Opportunities

CDBG Accountability: Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)

Madison County Bids & RFPs
https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/government/government_transparency/bids_and_rfps.php

Riverbend Renewal is not a contractor and does not control these programs. We share this information to improve visibility and understanding.

What is the CAPER report and what does it tell us about the CDBG program utilization in Alton?

Each year, Madison County submits a report to the federal government explaining how Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds were actually used. This report is called the CAPER.

For Alton, the report shows that:

  • Money is set aside for both demolition and housing rehabilitation

  • Demolition projects tend to move forward more easily

  • Housing rehabilitation is harder to carry out, even when funds are available

The report explains that one of the biggest challenges is finding contractors willing and able to participate in rehabilitation programs. Federal requirements and paperwork can make these projects difficult for contractors, which slows progress and leaves some funds unused.

The CAPER also shows that while the funding is carefully tracked and reported to the federal government, having money available does not always mean projects can move forward quickly or at all.

In short, the report helps explain why rehabilitation funding exists in Alton but is not always fully used — and why improving understanding, participation, and capacity matters.

Link to the full 2024 CAPER report here: 2024 FINAL Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER)

Additional Resources

  • Federal & County Housing Programs

    Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
    Administered locally by Madison County Community Development, CDBG funding may support housing rehabilitation, homeownership assistance, and neighborhood improvement programs for income-eligible households when programs are open.‍ ‍

    🔗 Madison County Community Development
    https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/community_development

    ‍ ‍🔗 CDBG Program Information
    https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/community_development/community_development_block_grant_%28cdbg%29_program.php

    ‍ ‍

  • State Historic Preservation Resources

    Illinois State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
    Provides guidance on historic designation, preservation standards, and eligibility for state and federal preservation programs.

    🔗 Illinois SHPO
    https://dnr.illinois.gov/preservation.html

    llinois Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program
    A state-level tax credit for qualifying rehabilitation projects on income-producing historic properties.

    🔗 Illinois Historic Preservation Tax Credit https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/CommunityServices/TaxCredit/Pages/default.aspx

  • Federal Historic Preservation Resources

    Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives
    Income-producing historic properties may qualify for federal rehabilitation tax credits when work meets preservation standards.

    🔗 National Park Service – Historic Tax Credits
    https://www.nps.gov/subjects/taxincentives/index.htm