Agency staff reported several items in a staff report: HUD approved the agency’s 2025 action plan; the sale of 309 College Ave (Leesville Fire Station) formally closed for $5,525,000; and the Community Housing Development Fund (CHDF) received roughly $2.6 million in developer contributions and recommended $1.7 million for a slate of affordable‑housing projects.

Staff said HUD’s regional office approved the 2025 action plan, clearing the way for a contract and the associated federal funding. Separately, staff said the agency’s facilitation of the Leesville Fire Station sale completed at about $650 per square foot, with a reported sale price of $5,525,000. Staff described that closing as deferring costs associated with the new fire station project.

On local housing funding, staff said the CHDF received about $2.6 million in contributions required under local CTAP policy for developers who do not provide on‑site affordable housing. The fund recommended about $1.7 million for projects including an INHS project at 209 West State Street (staff cited a $300,000 CHDF award for that project and described it as a mixed‑use proposal with residential units plus a ground‑floor daycare), support for Sears Street for‑sale modular housing, and support for the Village of Ithaca’s Village House supportive youth housing project. Staff said recommended awards will go to funders' decision bodies; the city’s recommended CHDF contribution (for example, $100,000 for Sears Street) will come to common council for final approval.

Staff warned of headwinds in affordable‑housing finance. INHS reported the low‑income housing tax credit market is stressed and tax credits are not fetching previous values, creating challenges for some projects. Staff also summarized federal developments: the House appropriations subcommittee on THUD recommended level funding for CDBG, zero for HOME in its draft markup, and included member items (earmarks). Staff said that markup is a subcommittee recommendation and that final allocations will depend on further House and Senate action.

On housing choice vouchers, staff said local voucher agencies have effectively paused issuing new vouchers when some return because the apparent top‑line appropriations would level‑fund vouchers and not cover rent inflation. As a result, local agencies have reportedly stopped issuing new vouchers to avoid being unable to meet obligations for those already enrolled.

Staff closed by noting that more detailed allocation lists are available on request and that staff will follow legislative developments and report back to the agency as budgets and allocations become clearer.