Community Development
The Texas Community Development Block Grant Program (TxCDBG) plays a critical role in helping smaller communities in our region meet infrastructure needs in low-to-moderate income areas. Administered statewide by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), TxCDBG is the Community Development Block Grant Program for rural communities.
Annually, the ETCOG region receives a formula-based allocation of funds for which applicants can compete. The CDBG applications are scored based on criteria developed by the Unified Scoring Committee (USC), which is composed of one representative from each Council of Governments in the state, and points allocated by Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Grants are awarded to the highest-ranking applications. Projects are funded until all available money is expended from that cycle.
Water
Sewer
Housing
Drainage
Texas CDBG Community Development Fund
2025-2026 Application Cycle
Eligible Applicants
Cities with populations under 50,000 and counties with a non-metropolitan population under 200,000.
Maximum Grant Amount: $750,000
Phase 2 Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
Grant Awards Made: Fall 2025
Grant Agreement Begins: February 1, 2026
TxCDBG Project Success Stories
Grant Recipients: Share Your Community Impacts!
Your feedback is essential in helping us understand the impact of the TxCDBG program on rural Texas communities. By sharing your experiences and insights, you provide valuable information that allows us to evaluate the success of the projects. Your input will help us better serve your community and ensure that future programs are even more effective in meeting local needs. Completing this form only takes a few moments, but your response will play a key role in shaping the future of rural development efforts across the State.
Updates & Resources
Eligible municipalities may apply to address slum and blighted conditions in the downtown district – these projects most commonly include sidewalk and lighting improvements. Applicant communities that qualify as predominantly low- to moderate-income may apply for other downtown improvements to support pedestrian-based economic activity.
Maximum Grant Amount: $1,000,000
Community Application Deadline: April 7, 2026
Engineers Webinar: March 25, 2026 1:00 PM
The Texas Department of Agriculture is hosting several upcoming Training Sessions.
- CDBG Over Coffee: Group B - February 26, 2026, 2:00 PM
- TxCDBG for Engineers - March 25, 2026, 1:00 PM
- CDBG Over Coffee: Closeout Documentation - March 26, 2026, 2:00 PM
- TxCDBG Administrator Workshop - August 25-26, 2026
- TxCDBG Administrator Workshop - September 23-24, 2026
TDA has been in contact with HUD regarding recent projects involving liquidated damages assessed for violations of labor standards requirements under the federal Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CSWSSA). Labor Standards Officers that identify such violations are advised to immediately contact Labors@TexasAgriculture.gov. The LSO should also notify the contractor to correct any wage underpayments and avoid future violations; however, no liquidated damages should be assessed or collected from the contractor until specific instructions are provided by TDA.
Note: TDA has updated Form A708 Sample DOL Payroll Form to include the most up to date format.
It is illegal to discriminate in the sale or rental of housing, including against individuals seeking a mortgage or housing assistance, or in other housing-related activities. The Fair Housing Act prohibits this discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, and disability.
TDA is watching closely as a number of executive orders are being issued that may impact TxCDBG projects. According to a Department of Labor announcement:
“On January 21, 2025, the White House and President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order: “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity”, which revoked Executive Order 11246. For 90 days from the date of this order, Federal contractors may continue to comply with the regulatory scheme in effect on January 20, 2025.”
This announcement directly impacts the Equal Employment Opportunity clause required for contracts greater than $10,000. Until the DOL issues new regulations, the EEO language remains a requirement contract clause. TDA has updated the Appendices to the TxCDBG Project Implementation Manual to add the following – grant recipients must continue to include the Equal Employment Opportunity clause in all relevant contracts, and should include this qualifier in the same:
Equal Opportunity Clause. [Note: Executive Orders 11246 and 13672 have been rescinded by Executive Order 14173 issued January 21, 2025]
TDA will provide a Policy Issuance or other guidance once new regulations are implemented.
TDA has been in contact with HUD regarding recent projects involving liquidated damages assessed for violations of labor standards requirements under the federal Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CSWSSA). Labor Standards Officers that identify such violations are advised to immediately contact Labors@TexasAgriculture.gov. The LSO should also notify the contractor to correct any wage underpayments and avoid future violations; however, no liquidated damages should be assessed or collected from the contractor until specific instructions are provided by TDA.
Note: TDA has updated Form A708 Sample DOL Payroll Form to include the most up to date format.