Applications open for Affordable Housing Program (California)

The Contra Costa County-Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) is seeking proposals from nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and others serving Contra Costa County who are interested in applying for 2024/25 CDBG, HOME, Measure X, and PLHA funds.

Donor Name: Contra Costa County

State: California

County: Contra Costa County (CA)

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline: 12/18/2023

Size of the Grant: Not Available

Grant Duration: 1 Year

Details:

The primary purpose of the CDBG program is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities principally for persons of low income. The County’s goal is to develop and conserve viable communities in areas where blight and disinvestment threaten residents’ safety, vitality, and productivity. County CDBG funds may be used only for projects that benefit Urban County residents.

Home Investment Partnerships Program

The purpose of the HOME program is to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing with primary attention to rental housing for very low and low-income households. Contra Costa County as the Urban County representative, and the Cities of Antioch, Concord, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek, are a Consortium for purposes of participation in the HOME program. HOME funds may be used for projects to acquire, rehabilitate, and construct housing2 for lower-income households in the Consortium area.

Measure X Housing Fund

Measure X is a countywide 20-year, ½ cent sales tax approved by Contra Costa County voters on November 3, 2020. Collection of the tax began on April 1, 2021. The ballot measure language stated that the intent of Measure X is “to keep Contra Costa’s regional hospital open and staffed; fund community health centers, emergency response; support crucial safety-net services; invest in early childhood services; protect vulnerable populations; and for other essential county services.” On November 16, 2021, the County Board of Supervisors approved the allocation of Measure X funding to establish a new funding for housing-related activities, now termed the Measure X Housing Fund (MX Housing Fund). Eligible projects under the Measure X Housing Fund for Year 2 project funds to be distributed through the Affordable Housing Program include:

Affordable housing for populations earning up to 80% area median income (AMI), with a focus on ≤50% AMI – Acquisition, pre-development, construction, rehabilitation, and operating and reserve funds
Innovation pilot programs and capacity building technical assistance for affordable housing activities (acquisition, pre-development, construction, rehabilitation, and operating and reserve funds).
Grant writing for affordable housing activities (acquisition, pre-development, construction, rehabilitation, and operating and reserve funds).

Project Period

Applicants for funds must demonstrate that all funding for the project will be secured and that the applicant will be prepared to enter into binding legal agreements within 12 months of the start of the fiscal year for which funds are awarded.

Eligible Activities

Community Development Block Grant – Housing

CDBG/HOME – Housing Projects:
- Acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of multifamily housing for low-income households.
- Acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of single-family housing for low-income households.
- Acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of housing for persons with special needs.
Measure X Projects:
- Affordable housing for populations earning up to 80% area median income (AMI), with a focus on ≤50% AMI
- Acquisition, pre-development, construction, rehabilitation, and operating and reserve funds.
Permanent Local Housing Allocation
- The Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program is a State of California program with entitlement and competitive components. The State designated Contra Costa County as the administrator of the entitlement grant award for the Contra Costa “Urban County”, which includes the unincorporated communities and all the cities except for Antioch, Concord, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek, which has their own entitlements. Eligible projects under the PLHA Program include:
  - Increase the supply of housing for households at or below 80% AMI;
  - Facilitate housing affordability, particularly for lower- and moderate-income households; and
  - Promote projects and programs to meet the local government’s unmet share of regional housing needs allocation.