American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was a key objective of the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program?

1. To purchase concrete blocks for freeway construction

2. To provide homes for the homeless

3. To create redevelopment agencies

4. To reduce the federal role in local government affairs

The correct answer is: To reduce the federal role in local government affairs

The Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program was established with the intention of addressing urban renewal and providing communities with a flexible source of federal funding to meet local needs. A key objective has been to empower localities by giving them the autonomy to determine how federal funds can best be used. This approach aligns with the goal of reducing the federal role in local government affairs, allowing municipalities to target specific areas of need within their communities without excessive federal oversight. This alignment promotes local decision-making, encourages collaboration among stakeholders, and ultimately aims to facilitate community development in a way that reflects local priorities rather than a one-size-fits-all federal solution. The design of the CDBG program underscores the shift toward providing state and local governments more decision-making power, which in turn fosters a stronger sense of community leadership and participation. The focus on local governance through the CDBG program reflects a philosophy of encouraging innovative solutions tailored to the unique social, economic, and political contexts of communities, which can lead to more sustainable and effective outcomes.