Community Development Department

The mission of the Community Development Department is to provide a variety of services to low- and-moderate-income households living in Amherst, including increasing affordable housing options and social services.

The Community Development Department (CDD) provides a variety of social and economic development services for Amherst families, individuals and the community.

The following activities highlight CDD’s functions:

• Develops and administers Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs. Eligible activities include but are not limited to housing rehabilitation or development, micro-enterprise, infrastructure, public facilities, social services, planning and area revitalization.
• Works with the CDBG Advisory Committee.
• Provides information regarding childcare and early education, with emphasis to the availability of tuition assistance for low-income families.
• Coordinates emergency assistance to low-income individuals and families using interest from the Alfred Field Charitable Trust Fund. 
• Assesses community needs with respect to childcare and human services.
• Works collaboratively with numerous committees and human or social service groups that address critical community programs.
• Develops new programs that respond to community priorities.

The Community Development Department provides staff assistance to the following committees:

1. CDBG Advisory Committee