The Grants Administration Division (GAD) promotes efforts to eliminate urban blight through activities such as redevelopment, economic development, and the conservation and cultural awareness of tourism promotional projects.
The GAD, which is under the Finance Department, oversees the management of grants obtained for the benefit of the city and the applications received for those grants. Staff often partners with other local governments in a joint effort to manage capital projects and programs throughout the city. Fort Pierce Authentic Tours (FPAT) is one such program. It is a city-sponsored marketing initiative representing more than 40 environmentally responsible locally-owned and operated businesses which are tourism-related.
The Housing and Urban Projects Division of the GAD utilizes state and federal funding to ensure decent affordable housing, provide services to those most vulnerable in our communities, and create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses. The division concentrates its focus on State Housing Initiative Partnership programs (SHIP) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) activities.
State funding is provided for SHIP programs with the goal of creating and promoting community partnerships. Opportunities to increase housing related employment are utilized in an effort to produce and preserve affordable home ownership for very low and moderate income families. Responsible home ownership is encouraged for individuals who qualify under strict credit and income guidelines.
CDBG projects are Federally-funded development programs overseen by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Projects must qualify by meeting specific tests established as national objectives by HUD to benefit low and moderate income individuals. CDBG funding is also utilized to assist in meeting urgent development needs arising from immediate threats to the health or welfare of the community.