Provo City to join Utah Valley Home Consortium for affordable housing funding

In the heart of Provo City Hall, council members gathered on June 3, 2025, to discuss pivotal resolutions that could shape the future of affordable housing in Utah County. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as Melissa McNally, the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) director, presented a resolution aimed at renewing Provo's participation in the Utah Valley Home Consortium.

This consortium, which includes Provo City, Utah County, Lehigh City, Orem City, and the newly added Eagle Mountain City, is a collaborative effort to secure funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). McNally explained that the consortium allows these cities to pool their resources and apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which are essential for developing affordable housing options across the region.

"Years ago, Provo was the only city in Utah County receiving CDBG funds directly from HUD," McNally noted, highlighting the city's pioneering role in securing financial support for housing initiatives. By forming this cooperative agreement, Provo and its partners can access more substantial funding, ultimately benefiting residents in need of affordable housing.

The HOME Investment Partnerships program, often referred to simply as HOME, is a key component of this funding. It supports various housing initiatives, including rental assistance and down payment programs. McNally emphasized the importance of these funds in addressing the housing crisis, stating, "We run a couple of down payment assistance programs for Provo and for the rest of Utah County."

As the discussion progressed, council members raised questions about related infrastructure projects, such as sidewalk replacements near Franklin Elementary School. While these projects are separate from the HOME consortium, they reflect the council's broader commitment to enhancing community safety and accessibility.

The meeting concluded with a sense of purpose, as council members expressed gratitude for McNally's efforts and the collaborative spirit of the consortium. With the resolution set to be voted on in the upcoming council meeting, the future of affordable housing in Provo and its neighboring cities hangs in the balance, underscoring the critical role local government plays in shaping community well-being.