Dane County committee reviews guidelines for $28 million in affordable housing funds, tightens tenant protections

The Dane County Health and Human Needs Committee reviewed draft application guidelines Thursday for two county affordable housing funds totaling $28 million and discussed tenant protections, set-asides for people experiencing homelessness and how projects will be scored.

Committee members heard details on an $8 million capital fund intended for projects that do not use Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and a $20 million allocation aimed at projects using LIHTC. Interim Director Iyayu Kumre told the committee staff will post applications and guidelines "by June, early July" to align LIHTC funding recommendations with tax credit application timelines.

The discussion matters because the county is directing a significant one-time capital investment toward both preservation and new affordable housing, and staff proposed firm tenant protections and candidate screening rules intended to reduce barriers for people with criminal records, prior evictions or limited rental history.

Jenna Mothridge, housing access and affordability staff, outlined major program rules under consideration: the non-LIHTC fund would require 40 years of affordability and currently proposes that all units be income- and rent-restricted to households at 60% of area…