Community development activities build stronger and more resilient communities through an ongoing process of identifying and addressing needs, assets, and investments. They may support infrastructure, economic development projects, installation of public facilities, community centers, housing rehabilitation, public services, clearance/acquisition, micro-enterprise assistance, code enforcement, homeowner assistance and other identified needs.

Through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, federal support for community development encourages systematic and sustained action by state, county and local governments.

McKeesport is one of three entitlement communities in Allegheny County to directly receive an annual allotment of Community Development Block Grant funding. Within the city of McKeesport, a portion of CDBG funds are targeted toward low - and moderate-income areas defined by U.S. census data.