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Council backs Habitat and SNAP applications for state CHIP housing funds
Summary
Spokane Valley approved partnering with Habitat for Humanity and Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners to apply for Department of Commerce CHIP funding; staff said applying imposes no financial obligation on the city.
The Spokane Valley City Council approved a motion to authorize the city to partner with Habitat for Humanity and Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP) to submit applications for CHIP (Community Housing and Infrastructure Program) funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Accounting and Finance Program Manager Sarah Farr told council the city does not incur any financial obligation by applying. "The city does not incur any financial obligation by applying for this funding," Farr said, and staff noted the application deadline is Sept. 26.
Public comment included a question about walkability and whether proposed housing developments would have nearby pedestrian access. Mike Dolan asked where new residents would walk to and urged more planning for post-construction circulation. Council Member Patton and others supported the city’s partnership; Patton called the grant opportunity “a win all the way around” as it would let nonprofit partners lower debt and pass savings to homeowners or renters.
Council voted to approve the partnership motion; the motion passed unanimously.
The city will continue working with Habitat and SNAP on application materials and return to council if required by the grant terms.
Speakers quoted or referenced in this article: Sarah Farr (Accounting and Finance Program Manager), Mike Dolan (Resident), Council Member Patton, Habitat for Humanity, SNAP.
Ending: Staff will file the recommended applications by the Department of Commerce deadline and return to council with any updates or required contract language.
