Community Housing Division outlines funding and priorities for North Dakota housing programs

In a recent meeting of the North Dakota House Appropriations - Government Operations Division, officials gathered to discuss the vital role of the Community Housing and Grants Management Division in addressing the state's housing needs. The session, held on March 20, 2025, highlighted the division's extensive programs aimed at supporting both multifamily and single-family housing developments, as well as initiatives to combat homelessness.

Brandon Detloff, representing the division, outlined a comprehensive array of programs designed to assist with multifamily development, compliance, and the homeless response system. The division manages state and federal funds, developing allocation plans through public input to ensure that housing priorities are met. These plans are crucial as they guide the competitive awarding of funds to various housing projects across the state.

One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the significant demand for affordable housing. Detloff reported that the division received between 8 to 20 applications annually for multifamily projects, which could yield up to 1,000 units. However, funding limitations meant that only 250 to 500 units could be developed each year. Notably, the division faced a backlog of 14 projects, totaling $46 million in requests, that could not be funded due to budget constraints.

The discussion also touched on the single-family development initiatives, which have recently expanded to include rural community development. The division has committed $1.8 million to support the construction of 21 new homes in various communities, with the aim of filling appraisal gaps that often hinder new developments.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the state's homeless response system. The North Dakota Continuum of Care, a coalition of public and private organizations, is tasked with planning and providing services to prevent and end homelessness. Detloff revealed that the demand for funding far exceeds available resources, with the North Dakota Homeless Grant oversubscribed by $5.7 million. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for increased funding to support emergency shelters and housing stabilization services.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members were left with a clear understanding of the challenges facing North Dakota's housing landscape. With a growing population and increasing demand for affordable housing, the need for strategic funding and effective program management has never been more critical. The discussions set the stage for future legislative actions aimed at addressing these pressing issues, ensuring that all North Dakotans have access to safe and affordable housing.