Catholic Charities described a proposed housing development on Outlook Road and requested committee support as it finalizes a SEED program application. The presentation, given Oct. 27 by Camille (Catholic Charities) with Joe Schmidt of the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) joining virtually, outlined a project that would include multiple apartment blocks, a centralized community building (early learning, youth programs, retail), on-site managers and maintenance staff, and an estimated employment impact YCDA pegged around 42 jobs.

Why it matters: presenters said the project would produce housing units, create local jobs and offer socially oriented services (early learning and supportive programs). Catholic Charities also said some of the project's infrastructure will become city assets when finished and that intersection improvements on Outlook and Scone may be required.

Camille said the SEED board and YCDA view the application favorably: "It checks a lot of the boxes," Joe Schmidt said, noting the SEED program prioritizes job creation and community impact. Camille and Schmidt told council that the project is proceeding through predevelopment and that YCDA expects to act on the formal application at its Jan. 15 meeting.

Council questions focused on which entity would employ new positions (Camille said the jobs would be Catholic Charities positions, not city payroll), what the SEED funds could cover (predevelopment and infrastructure), and whether the funding request would include on- or off-site work such as Outlook Road intersection improvements. Camille and staff said they will coordinate with city public works and bring more detailed cost and impact information back to council before any city approvals or commitments.

No council vote was taken on Oct. 27; council requested additional detail about traffic and Outlook Road impacts before any vote or city financial commitment.