County and cities unite to tackle housing crisis

In a recent government meeting, officials from Hillsborough and Beaverton discussed their ongoing collaboration on federal funding programs aimed at supporting low and moderate-income households. The meeting highlighted three key funding sources: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the Home Investment Partnerships program, and the Emergency Solutions Grant program.

Both Hillsborough and Beaverton qualify as \"entitlement cities,\" meaning they receive direct allocations from the CDBG program due to their populations exceeding 50,000. Tigard, while also meeting this population threshold, has opted not to pursue a standalone CDBG program, instead allowing the county to manage its allocation for a homeownership initiative.

The CDBG program is designed to support infrastructure, public services, and housing rehabilitation projects, while the Home Investment Partnerships program focuses on the production of affordable housing. The Emergency Solutions Grant program aims to assist individuals and families in regaining housing stability after experiencing homelessness.

The officials emphasized the importance of the consolidated plan, which outlines the strategic approach to utilizing these funds. The plan includes five key elements: community engagement, needs assessment, housing market analysis, strategic planning, and an action plan. A public comment period and thorough review process are set to conclude by May 15, 2025, aligning with the deadline for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Community engagement efforts have already begun, with consultations involving various local groups, including the Latino Policy Council and the Broadband Action Team. These initiatives aim to better understand community needs and conditions, ultimately guiding the development of programs to improve living conditions across the county.