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Spokane County staff propose $16.8 million in housing, community development and homeless services allocations
Summary
Housing & Community Development staff briefed commissioners on advisory committee recommendations totaling about $16.8 million across affordable housing, community development (CDBG) and homeless services, with several two‑year service contracts and requests contingent on final funder allocations.
Housing and Community Development staff presented recommended funding allocations May 13 totaling approximately $16.8 million across three portfolios: affordable housing, community development block grant (CDBG) capital and public services, and homeless services. The recommendations were developed by the department’s advisory committees and are contingent on final entitlement letters from HUD and the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Staff said the recommended split was roughly $2.0 million for affordable housing, $4.7 million for community development projects, and $9.8 million for homeless services. The county plans to offer two‑year public service contracts in some CDBG awards to reduce administrative burden; one exception noted was a two‑year home‑repair award under SNAP’s Minor Home Repair program.
Key details: • Community Development: Staff recommended funding several capital projects (public works and infrastructure) and proposed multi‑year public service contracts (two consecutive entitlement years) to provide stability for subrecipients. • Affordable Housing: Home, documentary‑recording fee and other local funds were allocated to down‑payment assistance, new construction and rehabilitation projects; advisors favored preserving existing affordable units and site control and capital‑stack feasibility were key selection criteria. • Homeless services: Of about $9.8 million recommended, allocations favored homelessness prevention, transitional housing and rapid rehousing; staff noted the county anticipates additional commerce dollars and that final awards may be adjusted as official allocations arrive.
Commissioners and staff emphasized the need for financial modeling and accountability measures as projects move to contract, and asked staff to provide comparative and historical funding information. Staff said formal funding letters from state and federal partners were expected imminently and that contracts would begin July 1 once allocation confirmations and BOCC approvals are complete.
Ending: Staff will return with final award letters and contracts for BOCC signature once HUD and Commerce entitlements are received; commissioners asked for historical comparisons and more detailed financial models for larger projects before final approval.
