CURB board backs $25 million decision package to bolster revolving loan account

The CURB board voted to approve a decision-package request for $25,000,000 to be submitted for the 2027–29 biennium, a staff presentation said would grow the agency’s revolving loan account and support future infrastructure projects.

Board members discussed how CURB’s FIFO cash-flow model and past appropriations affect spending and resilience. Department of Commerce representative Mark Barclay said the request “is very much in align with the governor’s priorities,” citing housing and economic development as complementary goals. Board member Andrew moved the motion to approve the capital-budget request; a second was recorded and the voice vote carried with all ayes.

Staff framed the request as conservative: the presentation said the $25 million ask is intended to be sustainable, and that if the balance were drawn down the agency would return to the legislature for additional appropriations. The executive director noted the program’s multiyear cash flows and cautioned that appropriations can create multi-biennium obligations: “It’s like I’m going to give you a burger today, but I’m not going to get paid for it for six years,” staff said.

The board did not record a roll-call tally with member-by-member votes; minutes reflect a unanimous voice vote. The decision package now moves into the agency and governor review process as part of the normal timeline for agency budget proposals.