The Whatcom County Executive’s Office has announced that it is accepting requests for the use of Economic Development Investment (EDI) funds for costs related to public infrastructure improvements associated with construction of affordable workforce homes. Both owner-occupied and renter-occupied homes of either single-family detached or attached housing types are eligible.
“The housing affordability crisis is affecting so many residents of our county, particularly our young and growing families. It’s also an obstacle to economic growth and attracting new businesses,” said County Executive Satpal Sidhu. “This new program expands our toolkit for addressing housing issues, providing a mechanism to incentivize the construction of homes that will be affordable over the long term.”
The program requires a housing project developer to designate a certain percentage of long-term affordable units for an established period of time. In return, EDI funds may be provided to cover certain public infrastructure investments, such as public water, sewer and/or stormwater conveyance and management facilities as well as public transportation improvements, including but not limited to streets, sidewalks, trails, transit and electrical facilities. All applications must be co-sponsored by the local jurisdiction (city) responsible for the public infrastructure. The EDI funds will be distributed directly to the co-sponsoring city.
The County Administration developed the parameters of the program in consultation with the small cities, housing developers, affordable housing agencies and the County’s Business and Commerce Advisory Committee. The program guidelines and application form are available on the Whatcom County website.
Applications are subject to the EDI funding approval process, which includes evaluation by the County Executive’s Office, review by the EDI Board and final approval by the County Council. This program is supplemental to the Whatcom County EDI Homes Affordable for the Workforce (HAFTW) program that allows for payment of eligible public utility connection and impact fees. A project proponent may apply for one or both programs.
Non-profit organizations, builders and land developers who would like to request use of EDI funds for this purpose will need to provide adequate information for Whatcom County to determine the eligibility of the proposed project. The Whatcom County Executive’s Office will work with the Whatcom County Health Department’s Housing program to administer the program on a rolling basis.
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