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Pasco planning commission approves HOME program work plan to forward to council
Summary
The planning commission approved the 2026 HOME program work plan as presented; staff described the Pasco share of HOME consortium funds, program income, and planned uses including down payment assistance and rehabilitation.
City staff presented the 2026 HOME program allocation for Pasco, which participates in a HOME consortium with Kennewick and Richland. The commission voted to forward the presented HOME program work plan to the city council for final approval.
Miss Webb explained that the consortium arrangement, in place since 1996, allocates equal shares to member cities after set-asides: 10% for the lead agency’s administration and 15% for community housing development organizations (currently Habitat for Humanity). Staff estimated Pasco’s HOME entitlement at $163,000 and anticipated program income of $100,000. Proposed uses included program administration, down payment assistance (anticipating a single assistance at the HUD purchase limit for Pasco, cited as $368,000), tenant-based rental assistance and rehabilitation funds, each line-itemed in the presentation.
During discussion Commissioner Pat Jones referenced state House Bill 1120 (2021), noting how the law requires local governments to plan for affordable housing and supportive housing; staff confirmed that HUD rules and state requirements guided program design and public hearings are part of the citizen participation plan. Commissioner Jones moved to approve the HOME program as presented; Commissioner Jay Handler seconded. The commission approved the motion unanimously (5–0) and staff said the recommendation will proceed to the city council.
Why it matters: HOME funds provide a local source for down payment assistance, tenant-based rental assistance and housing rehabilitation. The consortium structure and program income affect how many households can be served.
Clarifying details - Estimated entitlement for Pasco: $163,000 (staff estimate). - Estimated program income: $100,000 (from down payment assistance repayments). - HUD purchase limit for Pasco used in staff examples: $368,000 (staff said HUD sets the purchase limit; staff noted final HUD notification was pending).
Ending: The commission’s unanimous recommendation will be presented at a city council workshop; council action will set the final HOME program allocations.
