Board approves 2027 Housing and Community Development policy plan to combine CDBG, HOME and CA funding streams

Kitsap County commissioners on May 11 approved the county’s 2027 Housing and Community Development (HCD) policy plan, combining prior CDBG and HOME policy documents into a single plan to streamline the grant application and allocation process.

Bonnie Tufts, program manager for the county’s Block Grant Program, and Joel Warren, who oversees Community Investments and Affordable Housing, outlined the consolidated plan, funding priorities and application timeline. Tufts explained the policy plan describes program policies and the use of funds; Warren said annual fund estimates are variable but historically CDBG has been roughly $1,000,000 and HOME about $750,000.

Warren said the county expects Community Investments (CA) to provide about $6,000,000 this year for projects, with roughly $1,000,000 available for CDBG capital rehabilitation work and a public services set‑aside of about 10–15 percent. Staff reviewed recent 2026 awards — including Housing Kitsap projects and home‑repair and service grants — and described the timeline for a joint RFP posted this week, applicant technical assistance in mid‑June, and a public hearing on funding recommendations in late October.

After a brief public hearing with limited oral comment, the board moved, seconded and approved the policy plan. Staff noted awards are subject to available federal allocations and further contracting; several presenters emphasized coordination with local non‑profits and the importance of program design to convert capacity into usable, affordable housing.