HomeMy WebLinkAboutDCD Briefing re CHIP JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Brent A. Butler, Chief Strategy Officer
DATE: October 9, 2023
RE: Briefing: Connecting Housing to Infrastructure
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
On October 2, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners considered supporting six
development projects through the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program(CHIP). The
Washington State Department of Commerce has approximately$58 million available in the
2023-25 biennial budget, which is in effect from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025. Contingent
upon Washington State's future budget,the 2026-2028 biennial budget represents the next CHIP
funding opportunity. As such, Jefferson County should consider applying for one or more grants
during this biennium recognizing that there's'a possibility that funding will not be available in
2025. With the exception of San Juan Island County, the gap between what the median Jefferson
County household earns and the price of housing has eclipsed that of every other Washington
county based on the second quarter 2023 data released by the UW Center for Real Estate.
Projects included in the October 2, 2023 discussion before the Board of County Commissioners
were (1)the Mason Street Project, (2)the Old Alcohol Plant, (3) South Seven Phase 2, (4)
Caswell-Brown Village, (5) Peter's Place, and (6) Chimacum Road Projects. During this
meeting,the Mason Street project proponent, Habitat for Humanity, indicated that their project
was not yet ripe. Additionally, Commissioner Eisenhour identified a strong preference for
advancing an application that meets the county's workforce needs. At the same time,
Commissioner Brotherton identified how this project would also assist a future expansion of the
Urban Growth Area to the west of Port Townsend, should it move forward as proposed.
ANALYSIS:
Based on the input received, the Caswell-Brown Village (CBV) project seems to meet the
specific needs outlined by Commissioners Eisenhour and Brotherton, as it also supports the
development of approximately 150 Evans Vista workforce units in addition to laying the
groundwork for a future expansion of the city's urban growth area. A second project that
seems viable is the collection of Chimacum Road projects including Peter's Place, South
Seven phase two, BNR Mobile Home Park, Garden Court Apartments, Port Hadlock Motel,
and the United Methodist Church parsonage. As such, staff recommends applying for grant
funding for both projects.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact originates in the amount of time it takes to draft, and submit responsive
applications.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend that the Chief Strategy Officer apply for two grants, one in partnership with CBV,
and the other in partnership with Public Works to support the Port Hadlock Sewer.
REVIEWED BY:
Mark McCaul County Administra Date