Mayor Galime Announces Opening of Application Round for Federal Funds

For immediate release: March 11, 2026

Mayor Galime announced that applications are now available for federal entitlement funds that the City receives annually and makes available to local not-for-profits that provide services to predominantly low- and moderate-income persons and families in the city of Utica; those funds are made available through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs.

A fillable PDF application is available on the City’s website at https://www.cityofutica.com/departments/.urban-and-economic-development/community-development-programs/cdbg-information/index.   Applications are due by noon on Friday, April 10th to urbecodev@cityofutica.com.

Based on recent Congressional appropriations, the City has estimated that it will receive approximately $2,320,000 in CDBG funding for the 2026-2027 fiscal year that begins on April 1st.  Of that amount, up to roughly $348,000 will be made available for public services that are generally carried out by local not-for-profits for programs that typically assist senior citizens and youth.

Applications selected for funding will be included in the City’s 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan which will be submitted to the US Department of Housing & Urban Development this Spring.  Mayor Galime also announced two opportunities for public input into the Annual Action Plan.  The City will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, March 18th at noon in the Common Council chambers of Utica City Hall.  Additionally, a brief public survey has been created, which can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BCDYL2H or via the City’s website (www.cityofutica.com).

For first-time applicants, City staff are available between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, to assist with the application and to explain the funding process.

Of the federal funding, Mayor Galime said, “I encourage all Utica residents, property owners and business owners to participate in the online survey and the public meeting on the 18th of March.  This is your opportunity to directly influence how $3 million in federal funds are spent in our community.”