Bend committee backs fast-tracked Pro Housing Fund application amid federal budget uncertainty

The Bend Affordable Housing Advisory Committee voted to support an accelerated timeline for the city’s Pro Housing Fund application process, with staff proposing to open applications in June, hold presentations and deliberations in July, and seek City Council approval in August.

City affordable housing coordinator Melissa Kamana told the committee the move was prompted by uncertainty in a proposed federal “skinny budget” that would eliminate the Pro Housing Grant; she said the city is considering an earlier timeline so it can access funds if the federal award remains available. Kamana said, “the funds will be targeted to developments with a high feasibility of success, low risk, near term deadlines, who without additional funding would be unable to proceed…