The City of Bend is taking significant steps to streamline its affordable housing funding process, as discussed in the recent Affordable Housing Advisory Committee meeting. A key focus was on clarifying loan and grant terms for land acquisition projects, which are crucial for developers seeking financial assistance.

Committee members emphasized the need for transparency in the application process. They proposed creating a clear table that outlines the city's standard loan terms alongside any alternative terms that applicants might request. This initiative aims to help new applicants better understand the funding options available to them, reducing confusion and ensuring that they can make informed decisions about their projects.

One member highlighted the importance of explicit terms, recalling past experiences where applicants were surprised by the conditions after applying for funds. The proposed table would not only list the terms but also allow applicants to indicate any deviations from the standard conditions, making the process more user-friendly.

Additionally, the committee discussed the necessity of a legal disclaimer stating that any loan terms differing from city policies must receive approval from the Affordable Housing Executive Committee (AHEC) and the city council. This measure ensures that all funding requests are properly vetted and aligned with city regulations.

The meeting also touched on terminology, with suggestions to replace "leverage" with "match" when referring to funding sources. This change aims to align with common language used in state and federal grant applications, further simplifying the process for applicants.

As the City of Bend moves forward with these proposed changes, the focus remains on enhancing accessibility to affordable housing funding, ultimately benefiting the community by fostering more effective development projects. The committee plans to continue refining these processes to ensure they meet the needs of both applicants and the city.