About Us

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

- LB Community Garden Rules 2021 (PDF)

- 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.

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.