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Housing staff outlines timeline for affordable housing goals, seeks council support for grants and land strategies
Summary
City staff presented a condensed housing timeline tied to the housing needs assessment: ESG renewal (about $99,000) was tentatively renewed, staff will pursue CDBG and COC funding, explore a community land trust and a rental-registry model, and consider rehab/acquisition projects such as a potential Quality Inn conversion.
City housing staff presented a living timeline framed around the housing needs assessment and several funding and program objectives.
Staff reported tentative renewal of the city’s Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), the program that supports rapid rehousing and a low-barrier shelter, noting roughly $99,000 in renewal funds tied to ongoing performance. The presenter said the city must expend funds carefully before the grant period closes and is aiming to spend current ESG funds by year-end.
The timeline included near-term tasks (apply for COC rapid rehousing funding and a strong CDBG application to support shelter and supportive services), work to model a community land trust and a long-term rental registry, exploring an affordable housing trust fund in 2026 and consideration of acquisition/rehab projects such as converting hotel stock. Staff cautioned that potential rehab sites (e.g., Quality Inn) require environmental review, consideration of walkability and parking, potential annexation and transit access, and alignment with program goals (for example, permanent supportive housing versus general affordable rental).
Staff asked the council to be prepared to support grant applications and potential matching funds as applications are developed. Council members asked follow-up questions about the Lexington Transylvania model, Habitat for Humanity partnerships and coordination with the housing authority. City staff said the housing authority will be involved in multiple goals and that some programs being pursued (rapid rehousing, TBRA) are already delivering units.
Next steps: staff will return with more detailed funding applications and requests for council support where required by grant match or ordinance changes.
