Houston housing staff report $584 million in grant submissions and multiple near-complete affordable developments

The Houston City Council Housing & Affordability Committee received a program update from Housing Department staff on the CDBG-DR Doctor 17 portfolio and a slate of near-complete affordable housing developments during a brief meeting called to order at 10 a.m.

Housing Deputy Director and CFO Tamika Jones said the department has increased submissions by about $4 million over the last month, bringing total submissions to $584,000,000. "A very small update for you. We hope next month to have a more robust update. We are going to be meeting with the general land office this upcoming week," Jones said, adding the department is awaiting the General Land Office’s legal review of Amendment 4 before launching HBAP 2 and accepting applicants.

The update noted several program adjustments and project milestones. Staff extended the buyout program to December 2025 to accommodate delays related to abatement and demolition of buy-up multifamily properties in the Doctor 16 and Doctor 17 portfolios. Jones described three remaining demolition contracts: one property undergoing abatement and demolition, a second with a notice to proceed for abatement, and a third with contracts expected to be released in early May.

Committee members heard project-by-project status reports and funding tallies for developments funded in whole or in part with Doctor 17, HOME-ARP, HOME, and other local bond funds. Highlights reported by staff included:

- Rosemary's Place Apartments, a Midtown development reserved for households at 30% area median income (AMI) and including permanent supportive housing units: $18,600,000 in CDBG-DR 17 funds.

- Houston Area Women’s Center campus expansion: 135 new units for survivors of domestic violence; $15,800,000 in HOME-ARP funds; event held March 25.

- Rushmore Apartments (near the Energy Corridor): 101 units, 85 for households below 60% AMI; $3,000,000 in HOME funds.

- Small-rental infill projects: Old Spanish Trail (7 units, below 80% AMI; $2,200,000 in Doctor 17 funds) and Taber Street (7 units, 30–80% AMI).

- Connect HighStar (off Hillcroft, District J): 77 units, 70 rent-restricted; $11,900,000 in Doctor 17 funds; near full completion.

- New Hope Housing Avenue C: 120 units (all below 60% AMI), 28% complete; $3,000,000 in homeless/housing bond funds.

- OST Lofts (District J/I): reported at or near completion (99%); 130 units with 109 rent-restricted; $19,300,000 in Doctor 17 funds toward a $43,700,000 development.

- Richmond Senior (District J): 125 units, 100 rent-restricted; $15,500,000 in Doctor 17 funds toward a $35,800,000 project.

- Summit at Renaissance Park (Greenspointe Mall site): 325 units (166 rent-restricted), 87% complete; $14,900,000 in Doctor 17 funds toward an $88.5 million development.

- Hay Center (District I): 50 units (40 rent-restricted) serving youth aging out of foster care (ages ~14–25); 99% complete; $5,000,000 in Doctor 17 funds toward a $39,300,000 development.

Jones said the department plans to publish more detailed updates after the upcoming quarterly meeting with the General Land Office. Committee members and staff encouraged council members to attend upcoming ribbon cuttings and openings as projects come online.

The committee was also reminded of weekly community office hours (Wednesdays, 1–4 p.m.) and recent public engagement events for the consolidated plan and annual action plan. Chair Thomas closed the item with no questions remaining in the queue.

Next scheduled committee meeting: May 27 at 2 p.m., the committee announced at adjournment.