The City of Valdosta will participate in the 2016 observance of National Community Development Week, March 28 – April 1, with a variety of events that highlight the city’s Community Development Block Grant program.
 
The CDBG program is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program that provides grants to states, cities and counties to devise neighborhood approaches to improve the physical, economic and social conditions in communities. Although the CDBG program across the nation has been cut significantly in the past several years, Valdosta’s program remains a valuable resource to its citizens and works to improve the overall condition of our city neighborhoods.
 
The following is a list of events coordinated by the Neighborhood Development Division to observe National Community Development Week locally.
 
Monday, March 28: Proclamation
The celebration in Valdosta will kick off with Mayor John Gayle issuing a proclamation supporting the CDBG program. The proclamation will be presented to the Neighborhood Development staff at 10 a.m. in the Mayor’s office.
 
Tuesday, March 29: Ribbon Cutting on CDBG Reconstructed Myrtle Street Home   
The City is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. for a newly reconstructed home on 907 Myrtle Street, located in the city’s Designated Revitalization Areas. The reconstructed home was built utilizing CDBG funding.
 
Tuesday, March 29: SEEDS for Success, “Choosing the Right Seed”
Hosted in partnership with Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, this four-part learning series is part of the Valdosta-Lowndes Business University. It is designed specifically for anyone interested in turning their business idea into a reality. The workshop will be held in the Valdosta City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is provided for pre-registered individuals. Pre-registration is available online at www.valdostachamber.com/events.
 
Wednesday, March 30: Home Buyer Education 101
Hosted in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, this workshop will provide practical home-buying tips and resources for citizens interested in purchasing a home. This workshop is free and open to all citizens, but pre-registration is required. The class will meet in the Valdosta City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided for all pre-registered individuals. Pre-registration is available by calling Habitat at 229-245-1330, x 22.
 
Thursday, March 31: Knowing Your Fair Housing Rights Workshop
WFN Consulting, from Marietta, Georgia, will host a workshop for all interested citizens in the Valdosta City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room. In an effort to attract more citizens to important fair housing information, this session will be offered at two times. A mid-day session will be held from 12 to 1:30 p.m., which includes a lunch for all pre-registered individuals. The evening session will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., which includes light snacks for all pre-registered individuals.
 
Friday, April 1: Mad City Money
Local school children will learn how to utilize financial resources for personal and community benefits. The location details about this event will be announced at a later date.
 
For more information about National Community Development Week, contact the Neighborhood Development Division at 229-671-3671.