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CITIZEN PARTICIPATION <br />" 0 0 0 <br />orrm" <br />Public participation is a CDBG requirement. <br />This guide includes detailed information on <br />how to meet the federal requirements. Sample <br />notices and handouts are included. <br />Review ALL the materials with the staff person <br />responsible for public hearings and establish a <br />timeline for completion. You can't start on this <br />aspect of your application too soon. <br />To apply for CDBG funds, a jurisdiction must show it has involved its citizens in the CDBG application <br />process and complied with the specific federal citizen participation requirements outlined in 24 CFR <br />570.486. The purpose of these activities is to inform residents and decision -makers of the availability of <br />CDBG funds and to provide an opportunity for community members to present potential projects and <br />offer input on proposed projects. <br />HELPFUL HINT: Plan for the required initial public hearing NOW! Decide the hearing date and then <br />work backward to determine when and how the public announcement must be published to allow <br />sufficient notice time and outreach. <br />If a jurisdiction intends to apply for more than one type of CDBG grant during the same year, it is <br />advisable to contact the CDBG office to discuss how to coordinate these citizen participation and public <br />hearing requirements. <br />THE MINIMUM CITIZEN PARTICIPATION STEPS <br />1. Assess Demographics. Review local demographic data to determine if it is reasonable to expect a <br />significant number of non-English speaking residents to participate in the public hearing. Advertise <br />and conduct the public hearing in accordance with this assessment. <br />2. Develop and Publish Notice. Publish an official announcement of the hearing, providing reasonable <br />advance notice. A sample public hearing notice with required language is provided on page 48. <br />3. Conduct Hearing. Conduct at least one public hearing prior to submission of the CDBG application. <br />This hearing must be held at a convenient time and location to encourage citizen participation. At the <br />hearing, distribute the CDBG handouts on the availability and eligible uses of CDBG funds, and the <br />CDBG citizen participation regulations at the public hearing. CDBG public hearing handouts are <br />provided on page 51-53. Spanish versions of the handouts are available on page 55-57. <br />4. Adopt Grievance Procedure. Adopt a grievance procedure for the use of CDBG funds. The <br />grievance procedure must provide citizens the address, phone number, and times for submitting <br />complaints and grievances, and provide timely written answers to written complaints and grievances, <br />within 15 working days where practicable. A sample grievance procedure is provided on page 49. <br />5. Document Citizen Participation. Complete and submit the Citizen Participation Documentation <br />form with all necessary public hearing documentation as part of your CDBG application. <br />45 <br />