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CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN CABARRUS COUNTY This plan describes how the County will involve citizens in the planning, implementation and assessment of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Program. The CDBG Program provides funds to local governments on a competitive basis. The funds must be used for projects which benefit low-and-moderate-income persons and aids in the provision of employment opportunities. The program is intended to assist governments in undertaking economic development programs. The regulations give ultimate responsibility for the design and implementation of the program to local elected officials and also requires that citizens be given an opportunity to serve in key advisory roles to these elected officials. ADVISORY COMMITTEE To insure that local residents are given a full opportunity to participate in the program, a Cabarrus Housing Rehabilitation Committee will be established to function in an advisory capacity to the governing board regarding program design, implementation and assessment. This seven (7) member committee comprised of elected or appointed representatives from each jurisdiction. Members will be appointed by the governing board. Of particular interest is obtaining representation of low-and moderate-income persons, members of minority groups, the elderly and handicapped. SCOPE OF CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Citizens will be involved in all stages of the CDBG program, including application, program implementation, amendments, closeout, assessment of performance and design of changes in the Plan. There will be three (3) general mechanisms for their involvement: (1) the Advisory Committee; (2) public heatings and ad hoc community meetings; and (3) individual citizen efforts in the form of comments, complaints or inquiries submitted directly to the Program Administrator Bob Stark of Stark Associates. PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION Citizen participation in program implementation will occur primarily through consultation with the Advisory Committee: They will be asked to review and comment on specific guidelines for approved projects. They will also meet to review any program amendments, budget revisions and other program modifications. All such changes will be discussed and their comments considered prior to action being taken. These meetings will be held on an as-needed basis. If program amendments require DOC approval, a public heating will be held on the amendment. Citizens may also be involved in implementation of projects requiring citizen participation. Citizen Participation Plan