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City seeks council resolution to apply for HUD/DCA CHIP grant to expand home-repair program
Summary
Staff asked council to authorize an application for Georgia DCA's CHIP program (deadline in January). The grant offers up to $500,000 for owner-occupied rehabilitation; staff proposed using a mix of existing no-cost repair funds, waived fees, and $250,000 budgeted in the Office of Equity to form the city match and said the grant would allow expansion of repairs and more costly projects.
Economic development and grant staff requested council authorization to apply for the Georgia DCA-administered Community Home Investment Program (CHIP), which offers funding for owner-occupied rehabilitation (up to $500,000) or new construction (up to $1.5 million). The application window opens in January and awards are notified in September 2026.
Staff outlined a match strategy combining waived fees, in-kind contributions, donated materials and a proposed $250,000 from the Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Empowerment; staff reported a draft match valuation of roughly $282,447.50 comprised of current program contributions and no-cost repair activity. Staff noted prior phases used ARPA funds ($350,000) to complete 15 homes (average repair cost ~$22,358) and that a phase-2 effort is underway for 12 homes; the city maintains a wait list of residents seeking repairs.
Council asked whether the city must pause existing repair work while applying; staff said work will continue and that the match merely demonstrates the city's contribution for scoring. Staff also asked whether council preferred to place authorization on the December or January agenda; staff indicated they could finalize the application in January if council prefers, and that outreach to DCA for feedback is scheduled. Council asked for a draft resolution and more details on match valuation and program continuity.
