Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County
Investing in Community: How El Paso County’s CDBG Program Builds a Better Colorado
Every thriving community is built on a foundation of passionate individuals and intentional programs that put residents’ needs first. In this episode of Beyond the Dais, host Scott Anderson sits down with Luke Houser, Community Development Analyst for El Paso County, and Ross Williams, Park Planner, to discuss how targeted federal funding—particularly the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program—translates into meaningful, on-the-ground change.
Meet the Changemakers - Luke Houser & Ross Williams: Both guests have followed unique paths into their county roles. Luke, a Michigan native, spent years serving as a park ranger before taking on a grant administration role at El Paso County’s Economic Development Department. His mission? To make Colorado a better place on both a structural and human level.
Meanwhile, Ross, brings decades of county experience—first as a GIS specialist, now as a park planner. His passion for Colorado’s outdoors and community recreation shines through, particularly when he describes the satisfaction of planning a trail on a map and eventually walking on it alongside local families.
What is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): The CDBG is a federally funded entitlement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. El Paso County has benefited from the program since 2009, after surpassing the population threshold required for eligibility. While “block grant” may sound abstract, Luke Houser clarifies that it serves as a flexible but structured funding opportunity aimed at addressing gaps in local infrastructure, services, and housing.
Crucially, CDBG funds are not “untethered cash” but must be directed toward specific national objectives:
- Benefiting low- to moderate-income (LMI) persons
- Addressing urgent needs (think national emergencies)
- Removing slum and blight
In practice, about 90% of El Paso County’s CDBG projects focus on supporting LMI individuals—whether that means renovating sidewalks for accessibility, supporting nonprofit programs, or revitalizing affordable housing.
Turning Grants into Parks, Paths, and Opportunity: A highlight of the episode is Ross Williams’ enthusiastic description of how CDBG dollars are shaping beloved public spaces. Widefield Community Park stands out as a prime example: Over multiple funding cycles, the park has received improved playgrounds, sports courts, benches, restrooms, and ADA-accessible trails thanks in large part to nearly $1.2 million in grants.
These improvements aren’t just aesthetic, they foster neighborhood pride, expand access for families and people with disabilities, and encourage physical activity and social connection. Other projects, like sidewalk overhauls in the City of Fountain and Town of Monument, further underscore how the county partners with municipalities to bridge funding gaps that local budgets just can’t cover.
How Does the Application Process Work: Each year, El Paso County opens its CDBG application window in early January. Nonprofits, faith-based organizations, municipalities, and even microenterprises can submit proposals in different funding categories:
- Public service support
- Facility and infrastructure improvement
- Housing initiatives
- Economic development (like supporting job creation for LMI residents)
Luke emphasizes the importance of planning ahead. The process is competitive and can take up to 10 months from application to funding. He encourages newcomers to schedule a one-on-one discussion to assess eligibility and help demystify grant requirements, particularly for those without federal grant-writing experience.
Get Involved: The results of CDBG projects can be seen (and felt) throughout the county, from the improved grounds at the El Paso County Fair and Event Center to the revitalized trails crisscrossing Widefield’s neighborhoods. Upcoming improvements at the Fountain Creek Nature Center highlight the program’s ongoing reach.
For residents and organizations interested in learning more or applying for future grant cycles, information is readily available online (just search “EPC CDBG”), and both Luke and Ross invite everyone to visit these revitalized venues to witness the impact firsthand.
Investing in a Stronger Future: This episode spotlights how thoughtful use of federal resources, coordinated across departments and communities, can create spaces and services that truly elevate the quality of life for El Paso County residents. If you’re considering a project or want to see community development in action, look no further than the paths and parks—and the dedicated professionals—building a better Colorado for all.
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