The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) Application Review Subgroup convened on September 29, 2025, to discuss key aspects of the application process for affordable housing projects in Bend, Oregon. The meeting focused on the integration of equity and inclusion policies into funding applications, the scoring criteria for applications, and the organization of application materials.

The discussion began with concerns about the enforcement of equity and inclusion policies for projects funded by the state. Members expressed the need for clarity on whether the city would be responsible for ensuring compliance with these policies or if that responsibility would fall to the state. It was suggested that applicants should provide a copy of their equity and inclusion policy when state funds are involved, emphasizing the city's commitment to embedding these values into funded projects.

A significant point of discussion revolved around the scoring system used to evaluate applications. Currently, the scoring serves as a review tool rather than a binding criterion for funding decisions. The subgroup acknowledged the need to revisit this scoring system in the upcoming October meeting to determine if changes are warranted.

The meeting also addressed the organization of application materials, particularly the need for clearer formatting to help applicants navigate the various funding programs. Members suggested that combining descriptions of different programs and highlighting eligibility criteria could enhance understanding. There was a consensus that visual aids, such as color coding or shading, could help delineate the distinctions between funding sources and their respective income limits.

Additionally, the subgroup discussed the importance of providing feedback mechanisms for applicants regarding the application documents. It was proposed that gathering input from applicants could lead to improvements in the clarity and usability of the materials.

In conclusion, the AHAC Application Review Subgroup's meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to refine the application process for affordable housing projects. Key takeaways included the need for clear equity and inclusion policies, a review of the scoring criteria, and improved organization of application materials to facilitate better understanding for applicants. The subgroup plans to continue these discussions in their next meeting, aiming to enhance the overall effectiveness of the funding application process.