Report on Marysville’s 2024 Community Development Block Grant Program and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

The City of Marysville has initiated a public review of its 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which leverages federal funding for projects benefiting low-income populations. This report details the program’s activities and analyzes their direct contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on poverty reduction, food security, health, equality, and sustainable community development.

Program Objectives and Core SDG Alignment

The CDBG program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, aims to foster viable urban communities by providing decent housing and expanding economic opportunities for low-income individuals. This mission is intrinsically linked to several foundational SDGs:

• SDG 1 (No Poverty): The program’s central objective is to provide services and infrastructure that directly address the needs of low-income communities.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): By channeling resources to vulnerable groups, including low-income families, seniors, and disabled adults, the program actively works to mitigate socio-economic disparities.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): CDBG funding supports the development of inclusive, safe, and resilient community services and housing, which is a primary target of SDG 11.

Analysis of 2024 Funded Initiatives and SDG Impact

In 2024, CDBG funds were allocated to a range of projects and services, each advancing specific Sustainable Development Goals:

1. Marysville Community Food Bank Infrastructure: Funding was provided for a new roof, ensuring the operational continuity of this essential service.
   • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Directly supports the infrastructure needed to combat food insecurity within the community.
2. Marysville Boys & Girls Club Renovations: This project enhances a key facility for youth development.
   • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Provides a safe and improved environment for social and recreational activities.
   • SDG 4 (Quality Education): Supports a space for after-school learning and personal development for children.
3. Support Services for Seniors and Disabled Adults: The program funded services enabling low-income seniors and adults with disabilities to remain in their homes.
   • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Promotes dignity and independence, which are crucial components of well-being.
   • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Delivers targeted assistance to specific vulnerable populations.
4. Meal Provision Services: Funding supported in-home meals for individuals in need and meals for low-income and homeless school children.
   • SDG 1 (No Poverty): Addresses a fundamental need for individuals and families facing economic hardship.
   • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Provides direct action against hunger for at-risk children and adults.

Public Engagement and Governance

The City of Marysville is promoting transparent and accountable governance, in line with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), by inviting public comment on the use of CDBG funds. A detailed performance report is available for download, and citizens can participate through the following channels:

• Public Hearing: A hearing will be held at 7 p.m. on September 8 at the Marysville Civic Center, 501 Delta Ave.
• Written Comments: Comments may be submitted via email to kbird@marysvillewa.gov by 4 p.m. on September 8.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The article focuses on the city’s use of federal funding for projects and services that “expand economic opportunities for low-income people.” The entire Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program is based on criteria like “poverty levels,” directly targeting the core issue of SDG 1.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article explicitly mentions that funds were used for a “new roof for the Marysville Community Food Bank,” supported “in-home meals for those in need,” and provided “meals for low-income and homeless school children.” These actions are direct contributions to ending hunger and ensuring food security.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The funding specifically supported “services that allowed low-income seniors and disabled adults to remain in their homes.” This focus on vulnerable groups like the elderly and persons with disabilities is a key component of reducing inequalities and promoting social inclusion.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The CDBG program is described as funding “low-income housing projects.” Furthermore, the criteria for receiving funds include “housing overcrowding” and “age of housing,” which are central to the goal of providing adequate and safe housing for all. The renovations to the Marysville Boys & Girls Club also contribute to inclusive community infrastructure.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
   • The article’s focus on supporting “low-income people” and basing funding on “poverty levels” directly aligns with efforts to reduce poverty as defined nationally.
2. Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all… and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
   • The CDBG program itself acts as a social protection system, channeling federal funds to provide essential services like housing, food, and in-home care for the poor and vulnerable, including seniors and disabled adults.
3. Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
   • Funding the food bank and providing meals to school children and those in need are direct actions to ensure vulnerable populations have access to sufficient food.
4. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
   • The provision of services specifically for “low-income seniors and disabled adults” is a clear example of promoting the inclusion and well-being of specific vulnerable groups mentioned in this target.
5. Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
   • The funding of “low-income housing projects” and the use of metrics like “housing overcrowding” and “age of housing” directly address the need for adequate and safe housing.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention official SDG indicators by their code, but it implies several metrics that can be used to measure progress. These are found in the criteria for the CDBG funding and the description of the projects funded.

• Poverty Levels: The article states that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development uses “poverty levels” to determine funding. This is a direct indicator for measuring progress against SDG 1.
• Housing Conditions: The mention of “housing overcrowding” and “age of housing” as funding criteria implies that these are key metrics used to assess the need for housing projects, serving as indicators for progress towards Target 11.1.
• Number of Beneficiaries: The article describes specific services, implying that progress can be measured by tracking the number of people who benefit. This includes:
  • The number of low-income seniors and disabled adults receiving in-home services.
  • The number of people receiving meals from the food bank or through in-home delivery.
  • The number of low-income and homeless school children receiving meals.
• Project Completion and Output: The article mentions a “new roof for the Marysville Community Food Bank” and “renovations to the Marysville Boys & Girls Club.” The completion of such projects and the number of housing units improved or built under the “low-income housing projects” serve as tangible indicators of progress.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: heraldnet.com