This final rule corrects identified deficiencies in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, implements relevant portions of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, amends the CDBG conflict of interest provisions, implements statutory changes from the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 and the Appropriations Act of 1989, and provides criteria for performance reviews and timely expenditure of funds under the CDBG program. This rule also furthers goals of reinventing government by incorporating public input in rulemaking, providing performance standards, and clarifying regulatory language. Very few of this rule's provisions impose any additional burden on grantees, and these are designed to increase program accountability, primarily in areas identified by the Inspector General as material weaknesses or other serious recurrent audit issues.