Team IEM’s CDBG 50th Anniversary Spotlights: Earl Randall III

Earl Randall III, Director of Disaster Recovery Program Compliance and Monitoring

Earl Randall III has an extensive background in housing and urban development and provides his expertise to guide compliance and monitoring in IEM’s disaster recovery programs. Earl’s insight on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs empowers communities to recover and rebuild quicker and stronger after disasters.

With over two decades of experience uplifting communities in their greatest time of need, we are proud to have Earl and his dedication to improving local resilience and recovery on our team. Check out Earl’s history and background below to gain more insight on his impressive career.

What has your role been in CDBG programs?
In my 20+ years of experience with CBDG programs, I worked with numerous communities on critical housing issues, economic development, and infrastructure programs. I have managed CDBG portfolios totaling more than $19 billion, and while at HUD was influential in the growth and.

How have you seen communities impacted by CDBG programs?
I have witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of CDBG programs, projects, and activities. These programs improve and strengthen underserved communities across the country, addressing urgent needs like affordable housing, economic development, and disaster recovery. Over the years, has enabled communities to successfully leverage resources that maximize impact and empower neighborhoods to thrive.

What challenges does CDBG currently face?
There have always been challenges to the CDBG program, including reductions in funding, threats to the program itself, and more recently, limited community development staff capacity nationwide. Having dedicated personnel to pursue funding, apply for, and manage the programs from beginning through closeout is integral. Without these key professional staff, federal dollars are often overlooked or underutilized until they are no longer available.

How do you think CDBG will evolve in the next decade?
I hope that the CDBG program continues to flourish with a concentrated push to promote its overall effectiveness. CDBG-DR, specifically, should be codified to bring consistency to the long-term disaster recovery process. Any doubts about the program’s effectiveness should be eliminated by highlighting its 50-year history and the impacts made on communities, including those facing adversity after a crisis.

What recommendations do you have for communities seeking CDBG-DR/MIT funding?
In seeking CDBG-DR and MIT funding, communities must be educated on the policies and processes, and empowered to move forward when circumstances may seem to be at their worst. Recovery is a that requires a collaborative spirit, and failure is not an option.