COM 0560.000 2022-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): In June 2022, the County of Hawaii passed Ordinance 22-77, which appropriates at least $5,000,000 per year for the OHCD to facilitate projects that support affordable housing production. This represents an investment towards housing production appropriated directly from County funding. Prior to this direct allocation, housing in the County relied solely on funding from the Federal and State governments, as well as private grants and donations. The OHCD finds that appropriating the AHP funds reflects the County's proactive approach to promoting Affordable Housing Production. Following the passage of Ordinance 22-77, the OHCD conducted extensive research on affordable housing programs and collaborated with other Counties to explore similar programs, leading to the process of developing Administrative Rules and the establishment of an online application system for the Program. The OHCD held two (2) public meetings on March 17, 2023, and March 20, 2023, to receive testimony regarding the community's needs for affordable housing. The Administrative Rules for the AHP Program, which outline the framework for its administration, were formally approved by the Mayor and became effective on April 9, 2023. On May 1, 2023, the OHCD issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a combined funding allocation of $17,324,559.46 from two fiscal years, $9,000,000 from FY2022-23 and $9,000,000 from FY2023-24 in AHP Program funds, with a deadline set for July 31, 2023. The intent was to solicit qualified proposals to assist the County with carrying out the affordable housing goals and priorities set by the OHCD for.this round of funding. The project proposals were reviewed in accordance with the AHP Program Administrative Rules §3-4 Grant Selection Process. The process involved utilizing a weighted scoring system and assessing how projects aligned with the goals and priorities for this funding round. Following the Mayor's final approval of the recommended projects, the OHCD awarded funds to the applicants. SIGNED: DATE: Department Head