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Supervisors approve applying for Pro‑Housing Incentive funds; debate centers on routing toward navigation center versus direct housing
Summary
The board approved a resolution to apply for Pro‑Housing Incentive Program funding and debated whether the county should prioritize direct housing construction (Habitat for Humanity, down‑payment or loan funds) or allocate some dollars to sustain the navigation center and services for people experiencing homelessness.
The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to authorize an application for the state Pro‑Housing Incentive Program, opening access to incentive funding intended to support housing projects. The resolution (item 11) authorizes staff to apply and, if awarded, to proceed with grant terms that conform to the program’s eligible activities.
Supervisors and the public extensively debated eligible uses. One board member said the county should prioritize funds for direct housing construction, such as Habitat for Humanity projects or a low‑interest revolving loan fund for homebuilding, and expressed concern about using scarce housing dollars for operational programs. Another supervisor and county staff noted that the application window favored shovel‑ready projects and that the proposed uses included two components: a Habitat partnership and funding to sustain the navigation center that provides services to people experiencing homelessness.
Staff explained the application deadline and the county’s rationale for selecting projects that could absorb funds quickly if awarded. Health and Human Services representatives said navigation services currently rely on variable funding sources and that the incentive could help sustain that program while other housing funding streams remain uncertain.
The board approved the application (motion by Supervisor Holland, second by Supervisor Kirk), and the county will submit a 30‑day request for proposals to identify qualified housing sponsors if the award is received. Any sponsor and use must satisfy HUD and Department of Health Care Services requirements tied to the county’s opioid‑litigation funds and other program constraints.
Action and next steps: staff will submit the application by the March 31 deadline and, if funds are awarded, circulate an RFP and return to the board with a recommended sponsor and proposed agreements that would bind project use to affordable/homelessness purposes.
