County staff told the Urban County Policy Board that Program Year 2025 CDBG and HOME grant agreements have been signed by county staff and submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); the county is awaiting final executed agreements pending the federal government re-opening.

Staff said they are completing a substantial amendment to move CDBG funds within program categories and are accepting public comments through Nov. 24. The Program Year 2026 pre-application process closed and 20 of 23 applicants were advanced to full application. Staff summarized category requests and estimated available funding: five public service applications requested $445,000 with roughly $225,000 available; nine asset and economic development applications requested over $1.4 million with an estimated <$300,000 available for that category; two multifamily construction applications requested $600,000; and four tenant-based rental assistance applications requested over $1,000,000. Staff will present funding recommendations in March after board scoring.

Project updates included the Vancouver Housing Authority’s Bertha’s Place Shelter (environmental review ~90% complete; roof/windows/siding and architectural design scopes), new contract execution for Proud Ground and Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, and contract modifications for tenant-protection/rehab programs to help address CDBG timeliness. Staff agreed to distribute the presentation slides and materials to the board after the meeting.

Board members were invited to suggest training and presentation topics for 2026 (Community Planning climate update was proposed) and the board’s regular meeting calendar for 2026 was proposed (Jan, Feb, Mar, Jun, Sep, Nov).