Community Development

About Us

The Department of Community Development administers the federal Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Grant for the City of Elmira. An annual entitlement of Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds are received to promote development in City neighborhoods, which include programs that address housing, economic and human service needs of low and moderate-income residents and neighborhoods.

The City of Elmira envisions a Community Development Program that provides residents with a high quality of life in neighborhoods that are safe, clean, and friendly. The focus of the Department is on providing a healthy supply of affordable, accessible and decent housing for low and moderate-income homeowners and renters. The City's vision also includes investing in community and economic development projects that will revitalize and enhance our local commercial and industrial economy. The Department works with many agencies and operates several programs to accomplish this goal.

The City of Elmira's Community Development Office is committed to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status under the Federal Fair Housing Act. In addition to the classifications covered under federal law, the City recognizes the following protected classes which are also covered under New York State Human Rights Law: age, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or conviction record, or predisposing genetic characteristics. Hearing-impaired persons can reach this office through the New York Relay Center at 800-662-1220.