York County approves interlocal agreement to let regional development group acquire and sell property for local housing projects

York County commissioners on Nov. 25 voted to approve an interlocal cooperation agreement that will allow the regional development entity (represented at the meeting as SEND/SEND Contracting) to acquire, own and sell property to support housing projects in small communities.

Lisa Hurley, an executive‑committee member who represented SEND, told commissioners the district’s current bylaws and agreements prohibit the group from holding land. "At this time, we cannot," Hurley said, explaining the ICA would allow the district to acquire and later sell property with full board approval and to pursue a related 501(c)(3) to expand financing options. She said the change is intended to let the group move more quickly on projects in towns that lack private developer interest.

Commissioners asked how the board would remain a check on the organization. Hurley said at least 51% of the development entity’s board would be county commissioners, and county members would retain approval authority over transactions. "Every county that is a member has a board … and we very much encourage the county commissioners," Hurley said, describing governance safeguards and public comment rights in contracting.

After questions about safeguards and potential conflicts with private developers, the board moved and approved the agreement by roll call. The chair said the signed agreement will be returned to the development group for its next steps.

The vote authorizes the county to sign the ICA; additional bylaw amendments and any property purchases will return to the board for review and approval as required.

What’s next: Hurley said revised bylaws and operational guidelines will be presented to the development board in December; any land transactions or funding requests will come back to the county for formal approval.