OCED

Programs and Services

Introduction

The Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED), a Division of the Building Department of the City of Long Branch NJ came into existence in the mid-1970s (1974) when federal funds were made available to the City of Long Branch (We are currently in the 48th year of the CDBG Program). Through the efforts of local City officials and elected Representatives such as the late Congressman James Howard, the City of Long Branch was selected to be and entitlement municipality which means that the City receives funding directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Most other municipalities located in Monmouth County (with the exception of Asbury Park and Middletown also entitlement municipalities) must make an application to the County of Monmouth to receive HUD funding. Monmouth County's Office of Community Development receives HUD funding for a number of programs and dispenses grant awards to eligible projects presented by municipalities located within Monmouth County. For more information on this contact the Monmouth County Office of Community Development at 732-431-7490.

The OCED of the City of Long Branch has gown since its inception in 1974. In addition to offering financial assistance to eligible sub-recipients the office works in collaboration with other City Departments such as Police, Public Works, Recreation, Senior Center, the Public Library, Fire Department just to name a few. Annual allocations are set aside to meet needs that support programs and services benefiting low-to moderate individuals, families, groups and areas within the City of Long Branch.

OCED Provides the Following Services

  • Assistance to Non-Profits for Community Improvement Purposes
  • Business Development Technical Assistance and Referrals
  • City Infrastructure Development Projects
  • Commercial and Residential Property Analysis, Marketing Trends
  • Community Gardens Project, Community Facilities, Service Building
  • Financial Support to Police, Public Works and other City Departments
  • First-time Homebuyer Assistance, Housing Counseling Referrals
  • General Community Development Projects
  • Housing Rehabilitation Assistance, Code Violations Abatement
  • Improvement Assistance to Senior Citizens and Youth Programs
  • Other Services and Programs (Business Dev., UEZ Program, Homelessness Referrals, City Publications, Signage, etc.)
  • Recreation Support and Recreational Parks Development Projects
  • Relocation Assistance (For Code Violations in premises)

Additional Information may be obtained by calling 732-923-2043.

Urban Enterprise Zone Program

The Office of Community and Economic Development is once again housing the Urban Enterprise Zone Program, an NJ State-administered program for Business Development, the Community Development Block Grant Program, Housing Rehabilitation, Parks Development (Green Acres) in addition to Residential and Commercial Relocations. The OCED provides a list of other services as well. Information can be found in the documents listed, or by calling 732-923-2043. Applications for housing rehabilitation assistance can be picked up at the office and proposals for consideration for CDBG Program funds may be submitted, or emailed to the office.

Related Documents

For the City of Long Branch, 2024 will be a year filled with new ideas and new growth. Activity is high and synergy abounds as we look forward to the continued success of programs and services offered by the OCED (Office of Community and Economic Development). We are anxious to complete many of the projects started and excited to welcome new ones that will make our community and City all the better. In addition to adding new projects and services, we investigate the challenge of discovering new resources that can complement and enhance City services and extend added benefits to residents and others who are in need.

Community Development Block Grant Program

The OCED administers the CDBG Program and makes assistance available to low and moderate-income individuals and households. From crime prevention strategies to financial assistance to non-profits, the OCED has an array of programs and services that will benefit people, places and infrastructure throughout Long Branch. While our country bears the responsibility of committing resources to international causes, domestically and locally, we are challenged to not only make do with present allocation, but in fact, we must strive to do more with less and there is an imminent threat in Washington that funds could be diverted as the need abroad may dictate. Despite this reality, we remain confident that federal programs and services will be available to those who are in need. The OCED is committed to delivering such services in an efficient and fair system for eligible clients.

If your business was dropped from the UEZ Program in Long Branch because you were unable to fulfill the hiring requirement, please call Richard Thompson at 732-923-2041 immediately. You may be eligible for reinstatement in the program without penalty and without having to hire additional employees.