National Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 is adopted in Washington, D.C.

Signed by President Gerald Ford, the law phases out the federal urban renewal program over the next three years. It is replaced by the Community Development Block Grant program, whose stated purpose is “to encourage the formation and effective operation of state housing finance agencies and state development agencies,” and it requires cities receiving funds to develop a detailed “citizen participation plan.” The first grants are made in 1975.