Federal Housing Programs

Welcome to the City of Vancouver’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership programs! These federally funded initiatives are overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Annually, the City of Vancouver is allocated CDBG and HOME funding to support projects and programs that directly benefit residents facing low-income challenges. Navigate through our website to delve into the details of these programs, their impact on our community, and our unwavering commitment to creating a city that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and housing equity.

Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds for Tiered Projects and Programs

On or after November 15, 2024 the City of Vancouver will submit a request to the Seattle Field Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake the following project known as the City of Vancouver Homeowner Rehabilitation Program for the purpose of funding repair and rehabilitation of existing, single family, owner-occupied housing units located within the jurisdiction of the City of Vancouver, State of Washington. Specific addresses will be assessed in the Site-Specific review.

Tier 2 site specific reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the tier 1 broad review for each address under this program when addresses become known. Per 24 CFR Part 58.35(a)(3)(i) the Rehabilitation Program of homeowner occupied single family homes are categorically excluded. The activity/activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements per 24 CFR Part 58. Specific locations of individual units to be rehabilitated cannot be determined prior to the completion of the city’s Area-Wide Environmental Review and the Request for Release of Funds (RROF) and so The City of Vancouver, as the Responsible Entity (RE), is using the Tiered Environmental process under HUD Regulations at 24 CFR Part 58.15. The RROF will be valid five years from the acceptance date.

Tier 2 Site Specific Review: The site-specific reviews will cover the following laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review: Historic Preservation (36 CFR Part 800), Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, Wetlands Protection (Executive Order 11990), and Toxic Chemicals and Radioactive Materials (24 CFR Part 58.5). Under Historic Preservation, if any property is identified as eligible for the national register, the proposed rehabilitation will meet Secretary of Interior Standards. Under Flood Disaster Protection, any project as being located 100-year flood plane will maintain flood insurance in the amount of the rehabilitation. Under Wetlands Protection, if the project expands the footprint of the building and involves ground disturbance in a wetland area shall comply with Executive Order 11990. Under Toxic Chemicals and Radioactive Materials, project sites will be visually inspected for potential hazards and cleared of hazards that impact the health and safety of occupants.

An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at City of Vancouver, Economic Prosperity, and Housing, 415 W 6^th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660, and copies of the environmental review can be obtained by calling (360) 487-7936. It may also be viewed at https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/environmental-review/environmental-review-records/.

Estimated Project Cost: $1,000,000.

Public Comments

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Vancouver Housing Rehabilitation Program (address above) or via email at housing@cityofvancouver.us. All comments received by November 14, 2024, will be considered by the City of Vancouver prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

Environmental Certification

The City of Vancouver certifies to HUD/Seattle Field Office that Samantha Whitley, Certifying Officer, in her capacity as Program Manager consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s/Seattle Field Office’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Vancouver to use HUD program funds.

Objections to Release of Funds

HUD/Seattle Field Office will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Vancouver’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Vancouver; (b) the City of Vancouver has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD/Seattle Field Office or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD/Seattle Field Office at 909 1^st Ave, #200, Seattle, Washington, 98104. Potential objectors should contact HUD/Seattle Field Office to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Samantha Whitley, Program Manager, Certifying Officer

Housing Rehab Tiered Review HEROS

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that supports community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities. Each year, the City of Vancouver receives approximately $1.3 million in CDBG funding to support projects and programs benefiting residents experiencing low-income. Funds are awarded yearly on a competitive basis to programs or projects that are selected and approved by City Council.

The Vancouver City Council determines the funding priorities for the City’s CDBG program based on community needs. Current priorities include: revitalizing eligible neighborhoods, providing housing and services to people experiencing low and moderate income and/or homelessness and providing business technical assistance.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

HOME is the largest Federal block grant to State and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing. HOME funds activities such as building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to people experiencing low income. Each year, the City of Vancouver considers applications for affordable housing activities supported by HOME Funds.

Fair Housing

The City of Vancouver’s CDBG and HOME-funded activities operate under fair housing practices. Fair housing is the right to choose housing free from unlawful discrimination. Fair housing laws protect people from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, and housing choice voucher status. For more information, visit the Fair Housing Center of Washington, the Washington State Human Rights Commission, or the Department of Housing and Urban Development.