Community Development

Overview

Community Development encompasses the development of "quality of life" for City of Biddeford residents. It may include:

  • Downtown programs that improve the look and self image of a community
  • Implementation of social service programs
  • Long range planning
  • Public facility improvements
  • Redevelopment of vacant lots into pocket parks
  • Revitalization of neighborhoods
A small pavilion with benches is viewed from the sidewalk.

Projects can be as small as a corner park or as big as a city wide work force training program.

Working With Economic Development

Community Development works in conjunction with Economic Development. Economic Development may at times focus on the larger picture of business attraction and retention, city economic climate, long range economic planning and partnerships with financial institutions and regional economic development projects.

Two people stand on scaffolding around a structure under construction.

Community Development Block Grant Documents

The plans and documents below all relate to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds that Biddeford receives as an Entitlement Community of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Public/social service providers are encouraged to fill out and submit the Public Service Provider Survey below. This helps staff understand the work being done in the community and assess needs. You can also choose to be added to a contact list to be notified when plan documents and grant application forms are available. Email the completed form, and whether you would like to be on the contact list, to cdbg@biddefordmaine.org.

Documents for Public Hearing

  1. CDBG Year 5 Action Plan - Amendment 3
  2. CDBG Year 6 Action Plan
  3. CDBG Citizen Participation Plan

Year 5 Action Plan - Proposed Amendments

  1. CDBG Action Plan Amendment 2

Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) - Program Year 2021

  1. PY21 CDBG CAPER, PR26

Year 5 Action Plan

  1. CDBG Year 5 Action Plan - Draft

Citizens Participation Plan - Amended June 2, 2020

  1. CAP final approval by council

Consolidated Plan, 2018 to 2023

  1. Biddeford Consolidated Plan 2018 to 2023

Public Service Provider Survey

  1. Public Service Provider Survey

Biddeford Housing Assessment of Needs

Housing is an important part of community and economic development. Good quality housing, safe, clean, and comfortable, is necessary to attract and maintain a strong and stable workforce. Quality is important, but so is quantity. An adequate supply, for all income levels, is equally crucial.

In order to address key housing issues that might exist here in Biddeford, a seminar was conducted on March 28, 2019 at McArthur Library. City officials, city staff, industry experts, and the public identified some of the most pressing concerns regarding housing.

A report of Biddeford housing was prepared in March, 2018 to present an overall assessment of housing. This report identified many aspects of Biddeford housing, including quantity, type, age, condition, and affordability.

Linked here are these reports, as well as a demographic profile of Biddeford as of 2019:

  1. Biddeford Demographics Mar 2019
  2. Biddeford Housing Need Report
  3. City of Biddeford Housing Assessment 2018