Community Characteristics and Redistribution Efforts: Oklahoma’S Participation in the Cdbg Small Cities Program

Abstract

Decentralization of the CDBG Small Cities program caused a shift in spending priorities among grant recipients. This paper attempts to identify the variables influencing urban policy choices with respect to the CDBG Small Cities program in Oklahoma. Findings suggest that redistributive effort is heightened by greater citizen awareness of the program and low income participation. However, in the majority of grant communities, residents are not extensively involved in CDBG decisionmaking, relying instead on local officials and private consulting firms to apply for grants and administer program funds. In light of the tight control over the program by local elites and their emphasis on infrastructure improvements and economic development, outside consultants still have the capacity to persuade some localities to undertake redistributive projects.

Taken for Granted? Managing for Social Equity in Grant Programs

“…This finding makes sense in light of our framework because both pre‐1981 HUD and post‐1981 state administration use some form of competitive grant contracting. Isserman (1981) found that need was generally ignored in HUD’s administration, and Watson’s (1992, 1993) studies of Oklahoma suggest that state administration may be targeting median income populations to the exclusion of poor communities. These findings are consistent with the proposition that reliance on grant competitions may bias outputs toward greater administrative capacity.…”