Thurston County commissioners accept 2024 CAPER, authorize submission to HUD

Thurston County commissioners voted to accept the county’s 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) and authorized the Department of Public Health & Social Services to submit the report to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Dr. Jen Fryhite, director of Public Health & Social Services, told the board the CAPER summarizes how the county spent Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program funds during the 2024 program year (Sept. 1, 2024–Aug. 31, 2025). She said HUD requires the CAPER be submitted within 90 days after the program year ends; staff had opened a public comment period that began Oct. 28 and reported no written comments had been received before the hearing.

Alex Persse, the county’s Affordable Housing Program manager, described CDBG‑funded activities including critical home repairs, the Prism Street acquisition and completion of a public‑infrastructure corridor project, and Habitat for Humanity down‑payment assistance. HOME accomplishments reported included completion of Martin Way Phase 2 (Lotus Court) and two accessory dwelling units supported by HOME funds; several HOME‑funded projects are in progress and will appear in future CAPER reports.

Public comment included praise for county–city coordination on homelessness services and veterans’ housing efforts, and suggestions for improved program focus and use of funds. After public comment the board voted to accept the CAPER and authorized staff to submit the report to HUD before the program deadline.