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Assembly approves $305,000 borough contribution to Ketchikan Indian Communitypermanent supportive housing MOA
Summary
The Assembly directed staff to enter a memorandum of agreement with Ketchikan Indian Community to contribute $305,000 toward the Yi Kaikwan permanent supportive housing project; KIC representatives said the project leverages roughly $14 million in external funding and is targeted at senior (55+) housing.
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly on June 16 directed staff to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC) to contribute $305,000 toward the Yi Kaikwan permanent supportive housing project, a proposed senior housing development the tribe is advancing.
Richard Harney, tribal planner for Ketchikan Indian Community, spoke during the public-comment portion and described the project as a permanent supportive housing development for seniors. Harney said KIC has secured roughly $14 million in external funding for construction and long-term operations and cited federal programs KIC used to assemble funding, including Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), the Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program and Indian Housing Block Grant competitive programs. He said KIC is also building a separate triplex on Woodland and that tribal-sponsored housing projects create local jobs and inject funds into the local economy.
Assemblymember Arntzen moved to direct staff to enter a memorandum of agreement with KIC to contribute $305,000 to the Yi Kaikwan permanent supportive housing project; Assemblymember Bowling seconded the motion. Members supporting the request said the project increases affordable, permanent housing stock, targets older residents and that KIC would not be returning to the Assembly for recurring funding. The Assembly approved the motion on roll call (Matson Yes; Otis Yes; Palmer Yes; Arntzen Yes; Bailey Yes; Bowling Yes).
The MOA directs staff to finalize a contribution agreement. Assemblymembers said the borough contribution is a one-time investment intended to leverage outside capital and bring long-term affordable housing online; KIC said the funds will help complete construction and support ongoing operations for the project.
Votes at a glance
- Memorandum of agreement with Ketchikan Indian Community to contribute $305,000 toward the Yi Kaikwan permanent supportive housing project: moved by Assemblymember Arntzen; seconded by Assemblymember Bowling; outcome: approved (roll call).
