The Portsmouth Community Development Department administers Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds provided to the City by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The CDBG program funds housing, public facilities, handicapped accessibility, and economic development projects to benefit residents earning low and moderate incomes as well as areas of the City in which a majority of the residents earn low or moderate incomes.

On a periodic basis, the Community Development Department compiles demographic data and reports.

The Community Development Department is located in Portsmouth City Hall at 1 Junkins Avenue.