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Urbana certifies Habitat for Humanity as CHDO and approves $227,500 in HOME support

Urbana Committee of the Whole · February 3, 2026

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Summary

The Urbana Committee of the Whole unanimously approved certifying Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County as a HUD CHDO for program year 2026 and authorized $197,500 in project development funds plus $30,000 in operating support for five affordable-home projects.

The Urbana Committee of the Whole voted to certify Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) for HUDs HOME program year 2026 and approved funding to support five affordable-home projects.

City housing staff told the council that Habitat was the only applicant this year and requested $197,500 in development funds — $39,500 per project for five projects — plus $30,000 for operating support. "Habitat has applied for a total of $197,500 in development funds to support construction of 5 projects," staff said during the presentation.

Staff noted the HOME program is administered by the Urbana Home Consortium, which includes the cities of Urbana and Champaign and unincorporated Champaign County. The request included project pro formas and addresses for each parcel; staff said three projects would be in the city of Champaign and two in Urbana. Community Development reviewed the applications and "unanimously voted to recommend them for approval." Staff also cited consistency with council goals and the consolidated plan.

Council members asked about the history of Habitats relationship with the city and how affordability is defined. Chad Hoffman of Habitat for Humanity explained the groups pricing practice: "Our affordability is based on appraisal price," and added that typical new-home appraisals have been about $140,000 recently. Hoffman said Habitat typically provides about $30,000 in down-payment assistance so buyers mortgage start often falls near $110,000.

Councilmember James moved to place the certification on the consent agenda; the motion was seconded by Mary Alice and approved by voice vote. A second motion to approve and authorize the funding agreement likewise passed on consent.

The council did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; both items were approved by voice vote and placed on the consent agenda. The resolutions moved to the city council for final action as part of the consent docket.