Commission sharply divided over who should run affordable‑housing fund; RFP process ordered after heated debate

Commissioners spent a large portion of the June 2 meeting debating the administrative approach for a new affordable‑housing fund. The dispute centered on whether to appoint Envision Athens as an interim administrator or to solicit proposals through a public RFP.

Supporters of a quick appointment said a single, experienced local group could begin administering loans and incentives quickly, and stressed the urgency of deploying funds. Critics argued an RFP would ensure transparency, avoid conflicts of interest and allow organizations with housing finance experience to bid. Commissioner Taylor and Commissioner Thornton urged an open process; Commissioner Hamby and others emphasized speed and the need to get dollars moving.

The discussion also touched on program design: commissioners asked staff to ensure that any administrator would comply with earlier direction to target funds to specified census tracts and to include conflict‑of‑interest safeguards, community representation on oversight boards and clear reporting requirements. Deputy manager and staff described a likely 45–60 day RFP publication and evaluation timeline and said, if pursued, implementation would likely push full program rollout into late 2027.

The commission recorded close roll‑call counts on substitute motions and alternatives and directed staff to proceed with an RFP process that includes conflict‑of‑interest protections, representation requirements and geographic targeting. Commissioners said the RFP and proposed contract terms will be shared in the weekly manager update and brought back to the commission for final action.

What happens next: Staff will draft and publish the RFP, allow typical response and evaluation windows (roughly 30–45 days each), and return with recommended administrators and proposed contract terms for further commission action.