Olympia to apply for federal housing grant

On Tuesday Olympia approved authorization of city staff to apply for a federal grant program aimed at removing barriers to affordable housing in the city.  

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is launching a second round of the PRO Housing grant program. The $100 million initiative aims to boost affordable housing production and preservation by identifying and eliminating barriers.  

Using the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) framework, HUD will award PRO Housing grants to support:  

• Development and evaluation of housing policy plans 

• Enhancement of housing strategies 

• Facilitation of affordable housing production and preservation 

Grant recipients can use the funds for sustainable actions that address affordable housing challenges in their communities. This competition reflects HUD's commitment to expanding housing opportunities and addressing affordability issues across the nation. 

The city faces a shortage of affordable housing as stated in multiple comprehensive studies and plans, including the housing needs assessment, Housing Action Plan, One Community Plan, Assessment of Fair Housing, 2023-2027 Consolidated Plan, and the Washington State Growth Management Act Comprehensive Plan update.  

The city has identified five key strategies to increase homeownership opportunities for low-income residents: 

• Launch a downpayment assistance program 

• Increase access to homebuyer counseling services, particularly for marginalized populations 

• Provide administrative support to grow the capacity of local land trust organization 

• Provide capital funding to help non-profits operating in the home ownership field to create new home ownership housing 

• Launch an infrastructure assistance program