Council authorizes city to submit state grant application to support affordable housing infrastructure

The Sunnyside City Council on July 28 authorized the interim city manager to submit a Washington State Department of Commerce Connecting Housing to Infrastructure (CHIP) grant application supporting an affordable housing development proposed by Catholic Charities. Camille Gallegos, housing development associate with Catholic Charities Housing Services, said the application would fund infrastructure improvements needed for a development on property near Outlook Road and that the grant application must be submitted by the city. She asked for permission to “work with Jim on submitting this application.” City staff described the grant as paying for infrastructure work tied to the project — connection fees, upsizing water and sewer lines, and potentially costs associated with a new well and reservoir capacity near Alexander. City staff said the grant would not cost the city money to apply and that the application could help offset substantial development costs for an estimated buildout the project materials described as up to 150 single‑family homes and up to 300 affordable multifamily units. Councilors asked to review the application before submission. Staff said the application deadline is Sept. 26, 2025, and agreed to email the application to councilors and to bring a final version for council review if desired. The resolution authorizing the submission passed on a recorded vote with councilors voting yes. No city funding commitment was approved at the meeting; staff said any future loan, match or acceptance of funds would be brought to council for approval.