Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program – City of Tiffin
Helping fund neighborhood improvements that benefit Tiffin residents.
The City of Tiffin participates in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, a federally funded program administered by the Ohio Department of Development. Through this program, the City receives funding to support projects that improve neighborhoods, strengthen infrastructure, and benefit low- to moderate-income residents.
Tiffin is eligible to apply for approximately $150,000 in CDBG funding for the 2026 program year.
Upcoming Public Hearings
Public Hearing #2
- Date: Thursday, April 16
- Time: 5:30 PM
- Location: Seneca County Collaborative – 96 S. Washington St, Tiffin
This hearing will provide an overview of the City’s proposed projects and offer residents an opportunity to review and comment on the 2026 CDBG application prior to submission. Funding applications are due to the Ohio Department of Development by June 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
For the 2026 program year, the City of Tiffin is proposing the following projects:
- Approximately $60,000 for playground equipment at Heavenly Park (47 W Market Street)
- Approximately $60,000 for sidewalk improvements along South Sandusky Street (in front of St. Mary Church and Bridges Preparatory Academy)
- $5,000 for Fair Housing activities
- $25,000 for program administration
These proposed activities are designed to meet federal requirements by benefiting low- to moderate-income residents in qualifying areas.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate.
Cannot attend?
Community members may submit comments by email to: JDezse@OneSeneca.org
What is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)?
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federal program administered in Ohio by the Ohio Department of Development. The program provides funding to cities and communities to support projects that improve quality of life, strengthen neighborhoods, and assist low- and moderate-income residents.
Funding may be used for a variety of community improvement projects.
Common CDBG Eligible Activities
Examples include:
- Street and sidewalk improvements
- Water and sewer infrastructure upgrades
- Drainage improvements
- Park and recreation improvements
- Demolition of unsafe structures
- Housing rehabilitation programs
- Public facility improvements
- Certain economic development projects
Projects must primarily benefit low- to moderate-income residents or help eliminate slum and blight conditions.
How the CDBG Process Works
Step 1. Community Input (completed July 2025) – Residents share ideas and priorities through meetings and surveys.
Step 2. Public Hearings (March/April 2026) – The City holds hearings to gather input and discuss potential projects.
Step 3. Project Selection (Spring 2026) – City offocials review feasibility, eligibility, and community input to select a project.
Step 4. Grant Application (June 2026) – The City submits its CDBG application to the Ohio Department of Development.
Step 5. Project Implementation (September 2026 thru October 2028) – If funded, the selected project moves forward.
Community Input and Planning
In July 2025, the City of Tiffin and the Seneca County Collaborative hosted a series of public meetings in each of the city’s four wards to gather resident input on neighborhood priorities.
More than 120 residents participated through these meetings and an online survey.
This feedback was compiled into the 2025 Community Needs Assessment Report.
The report identifies common priorities raised by residents, including:
- Streets and sidewalks
- Parks and recreation
- Housing needs
- Youth services and child care
- Public safety and infrastructure
This information helps guide the City in selecting potential projects for its upcoming CDBG funding application.
Questions?
For more information, contact:
Judy Dezse, Grants & Community Engagement Coordinator