Community & Economic Development

Welcome to Ocean County’s Community Development programs!

In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Ocean County administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).

The CDBG program, authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (as amended), provides block grant funds to metropolitan cities and urban counties based on a federal formula that evaluates factors like poverty levels, housing conditions, and population size. HUD awards these grants to entitlement communities - designated localities that meet certain criteria - to support affordable housing and community development activities that revitalize neighborhoods, promote economic development, and improve community facilities and services.

As part of the Urban County Consortium, Ocean County collaborates with its municipalities through an interlocal agreement to receive CDBG and HOME funds. The Planning Department allocates these resources to municipalities, nonprofits, and public agencies, addressing housing, community, and economic development needs. The focus is on benefiting low- and moderate-income (LMI) neighborhoods and households, creating viable communities and ensuring access to safe, affordable housing.

For more information contact us through our website. We look forward to hearing from you!

FIVE-YEAR CONSOLIDATED PLANNING

Ocean County, in partnership with the Townships of Brick, Lakewood, and Toms River, collaborates to develop individual five-year Consolidated Plans (ConPlans) for each entitlement community. These ConPlans outline clear priorities and objectives based on identified community needs. Each entitlement also creates an Annual Action Plan that directs funding allocations, projects, and activities to achieve its specific long-term goals. All CDBG and HOME funded projects must align with the respective ConPlan priorities and objectives, ensuring effective use of resources to enhance community quality of life. Additionally, the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is prepared each year to track progress about both immediate and long-term needs.

Stay informed by visiting the HUD CPD page, where valuable reports and environmental reviews are available on the HUD Exchange. We encourage engagement with these resources to learn more about our efforts in community development.

ConPlan - Mar 20, 2024
Ocean County
Brick
Toms River
Lakewood

AAP - Draft PY 2024
Ocean County
Brick
Toms River
Lakewood

CAPER - Draft PY 2023
Ocean County

PARTICIPATE - SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY'S FUTURE

Your voice matters! Here’s how you can shape our community’s future:

• Attend public hearings and share your views on community priorities.
• Provide feedback to guide our initiatives
• Explore funding opportunities through our website.

Committee Participation
CDBG Organization Meeting
Regional Non-Profits/Public Service Sub-committee
Steering Committee
County Housing Advisory Committee (CHAC)

Citizen Participation
AAP Public Hearing #1 | Pre-Development
APP Public Comment Period
AAP Public Hearing #2
CAPER Public Hearing #4
Consolidated Plan Public Meeting #1
Consolidated Plan Public Meeting #2
Consolidated Plan Public Meeting #3

ConPlan Surveys
Community Needs (english version)
Necesidades de la Comunidad (español version)
Fair Housing
Housing
Public Housing

APPLICATION - PY 2025 Coming Soon, Date TBD

Access the CDBG application files from the menu. The application process is divided into key steps designed to guide applicants:

Eligibility Assessment: Ensure your proposed project aligns with HUD's eligibility criteria and supports the priorities in the Consolidated Plan and Three-Year Objectives.

Meet one national objective.
Align with a matrix code and eligible activity.
Support Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) residents by benefiting one of the following:

LMC (Low- and Moderate-Income Clientele): The project must directly benefit at least 51% LMI individuals or families.

LMA (Low- and Moderate-Income Area): The project must target a geographic area where at least 51% of the residents are LMI. The American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Low- and Moderate-Income Summary Data (LMISD) for Ocean County identifies eligible LMAs. For more details, refer to the Ocean County LMA map.

Project Proposal: Submit a detailed project proposal that outlines objectives, expected outcomes, and how the project will benefit LMI residents. Be sure to include a budget and timeline for implementation.

Review and Approval: Proposals undergo a thorough review to assess alignment with community needs and strategic goals. Approved projects receive funding based on available resources and priority needs.

Implementation and Reporting: Once funded, implement the projects according to the approved plan. Submit regular reports to track progress and expenditures, ensuring compliance with HUD regulations and demonstrating the project’s impact.

Household Income Limits

The combined current annual income of the owner and all occupants, regardless of relation, must not exceed the Federal maximum income limits established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The combined maximum annual income limits are as follows:

ADJUSTED INCOME LIMITS for Ocean County, New Jersey Effective June 1, 2024
Household Size	Extremely Low 30% Limits	Very Low Income 50% Limits	Low Income80% Limits
1 Person	27,450	45,750	66,500
2 Person	31,400	52,250	78,250
3 Person	35,300	58,800	88,050
4 Person	39,200	65,300	97,800
5 Person	42,350	70,550	105,650
6 Person	45,500	75,750	113,450
7 Person	48,650	81,000	121,300
8 Person	51,750	86,200	129,100

Source: HUD Exchange HOME Income Limits

FY 2024 Action Plan Meeting Schedule and Timeline

The meeting marked with an asterisk (*) will be held in a hybrid format, allowing attendees to choose between in-person or virtual participation. To acces the virtual join information, visit https://planning.co.ocean.nj.us/frmCECommDev. If you prefer to receive the meeting details from County staff, please email ocplanning@co.ocean.nj.us or telephone (732)-929-2054. Please be aware that dates and times may be subject to change. View Printable PDF

MEETING	LOCATION	DATE	TIME
Action Plan Pre-Development Public Hearing #1	129 Hooper Avenue, 1st Floor, Planning Conference Room \| Toms River*	December 5th, 2023 (Tuesday)	4:00 P.M.
CDBG Organization Meeting	129 Hooper Avenue, 1st Floor, Planning Conference Room \| Toms River*	December 5th, 2023 (Tuesday)	6:00 P.M.
Project Status Update Letter Due to Ocean County		December 15, 2023 (Friday)	4:30 P.M.
FY 2024 CDBG APPLICATIONS DUE		February 16, 2024 (Friday)	4:00 P.M.
Regional Non-Profits/Public Service Sub-Committee	129 Hooper Avenue, 1st Floor, Planning Conference Room \| Toms River*	March 5, 2024 (Tuesday)	10:00 A.M.
CDBG Steering Committee Meeting	129 Hooper Avenue, 1st Floor, Planning Conference Room \| Toms River*	March 5, 2024 (Tuesday)	6:00 P.M.
County Housing Advisory Committee (CHAC) Meeting	129 Hooper Avenue, 1st Floor, Planning Conference Room \| Toms River	March 7, 2024 (Thursday)	10:00 A.M.
Draft Action Plan Due from Brick, Toms River, Jackson, & Lakewood		March 8, 2024 (Friday)	4:30 P.M.
Project Eligibility Determination and CDBG Process		March 2024
30-Day Public Comment Period/FY 2024 Action Plan		March 11, 2024 - April 10, 2024
Action Plan Public Hearing #2	129 Hooper Avenue, 1st Floor, Planning Conference Room \| Toms River*	April 2, 2024 (Tuesday)	4:30 P.M.
Ocean County Board of Commissioners Pre-Board Meeting	101 Hooper Avenue, 3rd Floor, Room 304 \| Toms River	July 31, 2024 (Wednesday)	4:00 P.M.
Ocean County Board of Commissioners Board Meeting \| Public Hearing #3 \| (Authorization to Submit to HUD)	101 Hooper Avenue, 1st Floor, Commissioner Meeting Room 119 \| Toms River	August 7, 2024 (Wednesday)	4:00 P.M.
Action Plan Submit to HUD		August 14, 2024 (Wednesday)
Consolidated Program Year Begins (CDBG & HOME)		July 1, 2024
15-Day Public Comment Period/FY 2023 CAPER		August 29, 2024 - September 12, 2024
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) /FY 2023 Public Hearing #4	129 Hooper Avenue, 1st Floor, Planning Conference Room \| Toms River*	September 17, 2024 (Tuesday)	4:30 P.M.
FY 2023 CAPER Submit to HUD		September 26, 2024 (Thursday)

Requirements for Municipalities

1st Municipal Public Hearing to be held no later than 1/16/2024 (Tuesday)

2nd Municipal Public Hearing to be held no later than 2/26/2024(Tuesday)

Resolution appointing CDBG Representative due prior to 3/5/2024 (Tuesday)

		Director Barbara Jo Crea Barbara “Bobbi” Jo Crea, a dedicated and active Ocean County leader will serve as the 2024 Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. Read more
		Deputy Director Gary Quinn Commissioner Gary Quinn serves as the Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners for 2024. Read more
		Commissioner John P. Kelly Commissioner John P. Kelly has been an Ocean County elected official since 1993. He was sworn into his 11th three-year term on the Board of Commissioners during the Board’s organization meeting Jan. 4, 2023. Read more
		Commissioner Virginia E. Haines Commissioner Virginia E. “Ginny” Haines, a lifelong resident of Ocean County, brings years of public service and leadership experience to the Board of Commissioners. She was sworn into her third three-year term on the Board during its organization meeting Jan. 4, 2023. Read more
		Commissioner Frank Sadeghi Commissioner Frank Sadeghi was sworn to his first three year term on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners during the Board’s reorganization meeting Jan. 3, 2024. A successful businessman and a long-time public servant, Commissioner Sadeghi brings years of leadership experience to the Board. Read more
Michael J. Fiure, County Administrator 101 Hooper Ave. Admin Building Toms River, NJ 08754 Phone: (732) 929-2147 \| Email: MFiure@co.ocean.nj.us
History \| Contact the Commissioners \| Meeting Dates \| Meeting Agendas Meeting Minutes \| Budget Information \| Audit Reports

Ocean County Department of Planning

CDBG Application Files

CDBG Plans and Reports

CBDG Resources

Important Links

For More Information