Community Development Dept.

The Community Development Department is dedicated to serving the residents of the City of Murfreesboro. Our efforts are focused on benefiting those of low and moderate income by partnering with local, Federal and State agencies to provide decent housing, a suitable living environment and ensuring economic opportunities. Funding for the activities carried out by this department is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and an Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) from the State of Tennessee.

The Department offers housing programs that assist low- and moderate-income households. The Affordable Housing Program assists first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing costs. The Housing Rehabilitation Program helps income-eligible homeowners correct substandard conditions in their home. The Department promotes fair housing within the City and offers assistance with any concern regarding rights under the fair housing laws. CDBG funds are also used for eligible public works projects and for public service grants to nonprofit agencies which provide services for income-eligible residents. For more information, see the City’s Action Plan or its end-of-the-year report (CAPER). The Department is also responsible for administering the City’s Emergency Shelter Grant which assists nonprofit agencies which provide care for the homeless.

The Housing Rehabilitation Program provides a service to owner-occupant residents of the City whose household income is at or below 80% of the area median as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The owner’s housing rehab needs must meet program guidelines and all homes are brought to minimum standards as determined by the International Property Maintenance Code. This program is made possible with funding available to the City from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant.

In a continuing effort to meet the needs Murfreesboro residents, we encourage citizen participation in the planning process for community development activities. The Department conducts public hearings at least three times each year. Hearings are publicized in local newspapers, on City Channel 3 and on the City Web site. You are invited to call the City of Murfreesboro Community Development Department (890-4660) and be involved with your community.

Here is a videotaped overview of the department.