City partners for $1 million grant to boost affordable housing

During a recent government meeting, city officials discussed a promising grant opportunity through the Department of Commerce's Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP). The program aims to support affordable housing projects by providing funding for essential infrastructure connections, such as water and sewer utilities. To qualify for the grant, applicants must be a city, county, or public utility district collaborating with an affordable housing developer, with at least 20% of the development designated as affordable units.

The Spokane Housing Authority has approached the city to partner on a proposed development of 240 affordable housing units, targeting families at 60% of the area median income. The project, located near Wind Cove, is expected to cost approximately $68 million and aims to provide workforce housing. The maximum grant award is $1 million, with a total of $12 million available statewide.

City staff outlined the administrative process for applying for the grant, emphasizing that while the city would not directly fund the project, it would serve as a conduit for the grant funds. The application process is time-sensitive, with a pre-application screening due by October 26 and final applications due by October 31. If successful, the city plans to bring a motion for consideration to apply for the grant in early October.

Council members raised questions regarding the sustainability of the project and the selection process for future residents. The Spokane Housing Authority assured that the development would be financially self-sufficient and that tenant selection would follow established guidelines, including income qualifications and waitlists.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to move forward with the grant application process, highlighting the collaborative effort to enhance affordable housing options in the community.