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County says HUD approval timeline could threaten CDBG‑COVID-funded rehab of 14 homes
Summary
Richland County staff reported an MOU with Columbia Housing and said Columbia Housing has submitted a declaration of trust to HUD; staff cautioned that HUD processing (about 90 days) must clear by the end of October or 14 CDBG‑COVID-funded homes could be at risk of missing a Sept. 2027 occupancy deadline.
Director Williams updated the Affordable Housing Ad Hoc Committee that the county signed a memorandum of understanding with Columbia Housing in May and is drafting three agreements to implement the partnership: a funding agreement, an affordability agreement, and procedures for selecting homeowners.
Williams said Columbia Housing missed an initial target for HUD clearance in June but reported at a recent meeting that it has now submitted the declaration of trust to HUD. "The typical time frame associated that is about 90 days," Williams said, adding staff hope HUD will clear the request by the end of October.
Williams warned the committee that 14 homes slated to be rehabilitated with CDBG‑COVID funds must be rehabilitated and occupied by September 2027. She said failing to secure the HUD release in time could threaten the use of those federal funds and may force staff to pivot to other funding options.
Committee members asked for confirmation of timing and warranty protections. Williams said for general-fund–funded homes staff have discussed a one-year contractor warranty similar to new-home purchase warranties; for homes funded through the block grant, program income rules and community-development group procedures would apply.
Next steps: staff will continue to coordinate with Columbia Housing and HUD and report back with progress; the committee may reconvene in September or October depending on updates.
