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City of Vancouver reports slowdown in new construction but allocates $12M for affordable housing; rental registration enrollment strong
Summary
City of Vancouver staff told the board that completed housing units declined (about half of the city’s goal) due to inflation and financing challenges; the city awarded over $12 million in affordable housing support and is finalizing CDBG/HOME recommendations and a rental-registration rollout with a free registration period ending this month.
City of Vancouver staff briefed the Clark County Community Action Board on March 23 about housing production, rental registration and CDBG/HOME funding recommendations.
Samantha Woodland (City of Vancouver) said the city saw fewer completed new units last year—about half of the annual goal—and attributed the slowdown to inflation, tariffs and higher interest rates that hamper development financing. At the same time, Woodland noted the city awarded more than $12,000,000 from its affordable housing fund to supplement construction and rehabilitation costs and to support rental assistance for households.
"We awarded over $12,000,000 to supplement construction or rehabilitation costs for... units," Woodland said, noting a range of programs the city supports.
Staff also reported strong uptake for the city’s rental-registration program during its free-registration window; the free period ends at the month’s close, after which the fee will be $30 per unit. Woodland said the registration step is intended to produce a baseline inventory so inspections and future habitability checks can proceed.
Tasha Slater, senior program coordinator, previewed the city’s draft CDBG and HOME recommendations that will be released for public comment starting April 15, including proposed awards for public-service programs, tenant-based rental assistance, youth outreach and supportive services and homeownership assistance through Proud Ground.
Board members asked about inspection protocols and why the registration exists; staff said council action enabled the program to build a dataset ahead of inspection rollouts later in the year.
No formal action was taken; the city will publish its recommendations for public comment and staff asked the board to share the draft with stakeholders.
