Welcome to Community Development
Office Information
| City Hall Third Floor 317 E. Church Street Elmira, New York 14901 |
Regular Office Hours M-F: 8:30am to 4:30pm Except Holidays - Handicap Accessible |
Tel: (607)737-5691 Fax: (607)737-5696 |
The Department of Community Development administers the federal Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Grant for the City of Elmira. An annual entitlement of Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds are received to promote development in City neighborhoods, which include programs that address housing, economic and human service needs of low and moderate income residents and neighborhoods.
The City of Elmira envisions a Community Development Program that provides residents with a high quality of life in neighborhoods which are safe, clean and friendly. The focus of the Department is on providing a healthy supply of affordable, accessible and decent housing for low and moderate income homeowners and renters. The City's vision also includes investing in community and economic development projects that will revitalize and enhance our local commercial and industrial economy. The Department works with many agencies and operates several programs to accomplish this goal.
The City of Elmira's Community Development Office is committed to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status under the Federal Fair Housing Act. In addition to the classifications covered under federal law, the City recognizes the following protected classes which are also covered under New York State Human Rights Law: age, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or conviction record, or predisposing genetic characteristics.Hearing impaired persons can reach this office through the New York Relay Center at 1-800-662-1220.
Community Development Staff Directory
Emma Miran - Director
Missie Grover - Finance Director
Suzanne Rundell - Grant Administrator
Mitra Pratt - Program Manager
Linda Sowers - Program Coordinator
Lawrence Bocage - Inspector
Current Information
Community Based Organizations providing services to the Elmira residents are invited to apply for limited funding authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136, which was signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020, to respond to the growing effects of the Covid-19 historic public health crisis. The City of Elmira will receive $727,586 in CDBG allocation. Grants will be in the amount of $5,000-25,000. The applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds have been fully allocated. The Urgent Need national objective can be utilized.
COVID-19 Emergency Grant Application
If you have any questions about your eligibly for this program or would like to discuss your application, you may contact Emma Miran at 737-5692 or send an email to emiran@cityofelmira.net
Subject to funding availability, the City of Elmira offers low to moderate income individuals or families grants and loans to make home improvements. Funding for the City’s housing programs is provided through the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs and through New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The City of Elmira is particularly interested in making homes lead safe and energy efficient. For more information about these programs and to make an appointment, please call the Department of Community Development at (607) 737-5695.
| Family Size | Income Limit |
| 1 | $41,250 |
| 2 | $47,150 |
| 3 | $53,050 |
| 4 | $58,900 |
| 5 | $63,650 |
| 6 | $68,350 |
| 7 | $73,050 |
| 8 | $77,750 |
*Income Limits are set annually by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. These limits are effective April 24, 2020.
The City of Elmira encourages the use of minority and women owned businesses (MWBEs). The Department of Community Development is always looking to add certified and insured MWBEs to our list of contractors which is provided to homeowners who participate in our housing rehabilitation programs.
For more information on how to obtain certification as a MWBE, please visit the New York State Division of Minority & Women Owned Business Development website at http://www.nylovesbiz.com/MWBE.html.
The City of Elmira contracts with Southern Tier Economic Growth (STEG) to administer a Commercial Loan Program and to concentrate on business recruitment and retention. New or expanding businesses are encouraged to call STEG at (607)733-6513.
STEG Website
Community Development Block Grant funds help support the operations of public service activities such as youth programs, public safety, programs for senior citizens, homeless persons, and fair housing initiatives to name a few. Every January, the City of Elmira seeks CDBG funding applications from non-profit organizations.
This program is designed to assist income eligible, low to moderate income individuals or families with down payment and closing cost assistance in purchasing their first home in the City of Elmira by offering a grant in the amount of $8,000 that is forgiven after five years. The City of Elmira contracts with Catholic Charities to administer this program. For more information contact Catholic Charities at (607)734-9784 x2132.
Link to Catholic Charities