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Spencer signals support to join regional HUD "pro housing" grant led by Centralina
Summary
Town Manager Peter Francais told the board Centralina is seeking partners for a HUD "pro housing" regional grant; Spencer staff recommended joining and said the town would contribute in‑kind staff time rather than direct cash. The board gave informal consensus; no formal vote was required.
Town staff told the Board of Aldermen on Oct. 8 that Centralina Council of Governments is preparing a regional HUD ‘‘pro housing’’ grant application that would span six years and aims to remove barriers to produce and preserve housing.
Town Manager Peter Francais said Spencer staff recommend joining Centralina’s initial application and that the town’s leverage commitment would be primarily in‑kind staff time—an estimated 40 hours per month spread across staff over the six‑year grant—rather than a direct cash match. Francais characterized the leveraged staff-time commitment as amounting to about $100,000 in-kind over the life of the project.
Board discussion focused on the kinds of pilot projects the town might propose, including small‑area work in neighborhoods near the Yadkin River District to support renovation and infill, and on ensuring the town’s development ordinance would not hinder innovative housing types. Francais said Centralina could provide grant-writing assistance and additional planning capacity as part of the program.
No formal board action was required at the meeting; staff sought consensus to submit a letter of commitment to Centralina for inclusion in the regional application. Board members expressed general support and no objections were recorded.
Next steps: staff will submit a letter of commitment to Centralina and continue staff-level discussions about pilot ideas and any required leverage commitments.
