Dozens of CDBG applicants seek funds as housing developers press the city for competitive commitments
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Summary
City departments and nonprofits presented a wide range of CDBG requests — parks restrooms, neighborhood flood mitigation, social services, shelter and transportation — while two housing developers asked for local commitments to improve their chances for state LIHTC awards. Bradshaw residents urged conditions on developer funding because of rent increases.
More than 20 City departments, nonprofits and developers presented CDBG funding requests and program proposals at the Prescott City CDBG Citizen Advisory Committee meeting.
Parks and recreation requested $50,000 to complete a $150,000 ADA-accessible restroom at the community nature center; Christy (Christie Diaz Trahan) told the committee the facility expects 13,000–15,000 annual visitors and will leverage city CIP funds for the remainder. Public Works drainage engineer Eric Sparkman said the Dexter neighborhood flood mitigation project is in 30% design; design is about $150,000 and construction is estimated at $1.5–$1.7 million, and the project targets a low-income area experiencing chronic roadway flooding.
A long slate of nonprofits described programmatic needs: the Chamber Foundation’s Minor Home Repair program (up to $5,000 per eligible home) that handles intake and procurement under HUD rules; Wrapped in Love diaper bank detailed distribution volumes; Fire Medics International pitched a workforce and reentry training program; Polara Health asked to redesignate a prior $5,000 award and seek an additional $10,000–$15,000 to renovate clinic restrooms and support senior peer services; Salvation Army requested $10,000 for its winter warm‑up shelter; Village of Hope and other groups sought transportation funding; multiple organizations asked for operating and capital support.
Developers seeking local support for competitive Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) applications also presented. USA Housing (Westcap/Bradshaw phase) requested a $50,000 city commitment to help secure a 42-unit senior LIHTC award and said rents would remain income‑restricted for 50 years if funded. Woda Cooper Companies proposed an 82-unit family affordable housing project and asked for a $100,000 repayable loan plus up to $50,000 in waived fees/impact fees and permitting to maximize state scoring for tax credits; staff noted CDBG cannot be used for new construction but local fee waivers and loans tied to program income are common levers for competitive scoring.
Public comment focused strongly on concerns about senior housing affordability. Shay Richland, a Bradshaw resident, urged the committee not to "provide funds to a company that will continue a rent pricing scheme" and asked the committee to condition grants or commitments on rent freezes or deeper affordability. A second Bradshaw resident described multiple rent increases that have strained fixed incomes and warned of the risk of returning to homelessness.
Committee members asked detailed questions about matching funds, bid solicitations, alternatives to high-cost options (e.g., metal roofs vs. asphalt shingles), project timelines (state LIHTC awards expected by June), and whether costs could be reduced by working with city permitting and contractors. Staff reminded members ranking sheets are due Feb. 27 and the March 18 meeting will include the committee’s final rankings and funding decisions.
No final funding awards were made at this meeting; applicants will await ranking results and the March voting session.