Bend seeks proposals for affordable housing, social services funding

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The City of Bend’s Economic Development Department is soliciting requests for proposals for two annual funding programs that would provide over $1 million for affordable housing developments and social service organizations in Bend.

1. The Affordable Housing Fund started in 2006 to develop a wide variety of housing throughout Bend. This fund collects one-third of one percent of building permit fees paid to the City of Bend, and uses the proceeds to acquire land for deed-restricted affordable housing, develop land, construct or rehabilitate homes. This spring, the fund has $500,000 to award for property owners, developers and organizations supporting affordable housing development and preservation. 
2. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federal funding program that provides assistance for housing and community development activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons. The funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and are used or distributed by the City of Bend. This program also has approximately $500,000 to distribute to organizations operating in Bend that support community members facing economic hardship.

“The timing of this funding couldn’t be better,” said Lynne McConnell, Bend’s Affordable Housing Manager, “These programs were created to support community development, and City staff are working hard to deploy them quickly. We are looking forward to seeing how these funds can be utilized during this unprecedented time.”

Requests for proposals and eligibility guidelines for both programs can be found at this developer resources link. Submissions are due on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at 5 p.m. and should be submitted to Affordable Housing Coordinator, Racheal Baker at rbaker@bendoregon.gov.

Both the Affordable Housing Fund and CDBG programs are guided by the City of Bend Consolidated Plan, a comprehensive housing and community development strategy that was prepared with extensive public involvement. In June, recommendations for funding recipients for both programs will go to City Council for approval. Funding for these programs is anticipated to be released after July 1, pending local and federal approval.