The Commuity Development Block Grant (CDBG) program was authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. The primary objective is the development of viable urban communities. These are achieved by providing decent housing, providing a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities. Every eligible activity provided by CDBG funds must meet one of three national objectives: Benefit to low and moderate income persons, aid in the prevention of slums or blight, and meet a need having a particular urgency.

The City of Conway is an entitlement city which is the largest component of the CDBG Program. The CDBG Program provides categorial block grants to metropolitan cities and urban counties. Entitlement cities automatically receive an annual allocation of CDBG funds and the grant amounts are determined by the higher of two formulas—data based on overcrowded housing, population, and poverty, or data based on age of housing, population growth lag and poverty.