Office of Neighborhood Services
In April 2001, the Abilene Community Excellence (ACE) Task Force recommended building upon the existing neighborhood program concepts in the Planning and Development Services. As a result, combining aspects of the Neighborhood Initiatives (CDBG/HOME) Division with the Planning Services Division enables us to develop a more comprehensive Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS).
Read our 2011 One-Year Action Plan (pdf)
Mission: The mission of the Office of Neighborhood Services is to strengthen Abilene’s neighborhoods by coordinating services and offering technical assistance to enable residents to devise and implement locally created solutions. ONS effectively utilizes federal assistance programs to revitalize target neighborhoods, support the provision of essential services to the low and moderate income population, and supplement the supply of decent, affordable housing.
The Office of Neighborhood Services is founded on five principles. These principles state that the ONS will:
Mission: The mission of the Office of Neighborhood Services is to strengthen Abilene’s neighborhoods by coordinating services and offering technical assistance to enable residents to devise and implement locally created solutions. ONS effectively utilizes federal assistance programs to revitalize target neighborhoods, support the provision of essential services to the low and moderate income population, and supplement the supply of decent, affordable housing.
The Office of Neighborhood Services is founded on five principles. These principles state that the ONS will:
Overview:
The ONS is responsible for administering two federal grants: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). To remain eligible for the grants, the City submitted a five-year strategic plan - the 2000-2004 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development - to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in August 2000. The City submits an annual One-Year Action Plan that outlines proposed projects and allocations for both programs.