This rule proposes to make changes to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to allow grantees flexibility to incorporate Opportunity Zones, as authorized by Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.  The proposed rule would establish mandatory financial underwriting requirements for economic development and housing loan activities, expand the regulatory definition of slum and blight to allow grantees greater flexibility in undertaking development projects, incorporate several eligibility changes not currently codified in HUD’s CDBG regulations, and modernize various provisions regarding grantee public citizen participation requirements. The proposed rule would also update HUD’s regulations so grantees can target Opportunity Zones for priority funding and streamline the consolidated planning process. The rule also proposes to allow funds to be used for targeting emerging markets, revise the criteria for national objectives in mixed-used developments, and modernize and simplify the public benefit standards for economic development activities. The updated regulations seek to strengthen timeliness measures while finding ways to incentivize high performing and entrepreneurial grantees.  Lastly, the proposed rule would update definitions and streamlining reporting requirements.