Skagit County holds public hearing on 2025 HOME annual action plan; public comment period to remain open until 4:30 p.m.

Skagit County Public Health held a public hearing April 15 on the draft 2025 annual action plan for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, presenting tentative allocations and a proposed affordable housing project supported by the consortium and accepting public comment through 4:30 p.m. the same day.

Director Keith Higman opened the hearing and introduced Madeline Anthony of Public Health, who presented the draft plan to the commissioners. Anthony said the HOME program is part of the consortium’s five‑year consolidated plan (2023–2027) and that the annual action plan sets goals and tentative funding allocations for the 2025 program year. She said the final federal award from HUD had not been received but staff expected roughly the same allocation as the prior year.

Anthony described tentative percentage allocations for HOME funds in 2025: 40% toward housing development, 15% for CHDO (Community Housing Development Organization) development, 35% for tenant‑based rental assistance (TBRA) to support homeless households, and 10% for administration and planning, which covers activities such as preparing the annual plan and the CAPER report. She said the county expects to proportionally adjust totals once HUD’s final award is received.

Anthony also described a planned development in Mount Vernon proposed by Community Action of Skagit County: a 25‑unit affordable rental property to include one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom units. The presentation stated 7 units would be one‑bedroom, 12 would be two‑bedroom and 5 would be three‑bedroom; Anthony said six units would be set aside for homeless families and that the project aims to serve farmworkers and people with disabilities. (The presentation described the project as 25 units while listing bedroom counts that sum to 24.)

No members of the public offered live testimony during the hearing; one Zoom participant was present but did not unmute. County staff said written comments were accepted by email until 4:30 p.m. Commissioner Wason asked about monitoring of affordability restrictions; Anthony confirmed the 10% administrative allocation covers monitoring of HOME‑assisted units for the required affordability period. Natalie (county staff) said the county expected a similar HUD allocation to last year but that the final award was not yet committed.

The board moved and seconded a motion to close the public hearing effective 4:30 p.m. that day; the commissioners voted "aye" and the motion carried. No board action to adopt the plan was taken at the hearing; staff said they will submit the final plan to HUD following receipt of the final award. Written comments received during the 30‑day posted comment period will be considered by the consortium.