Community-Driven Housing Program

Overview

 

The Community-Driven Housing Program (CDHP) encourages cities and counties to proactively address the affordable housing needs of their residents. The program, which is based on the philosophy that a community has a better understanding of its unique affordable housing needs than a private developer or state agency, provides low-interest financing for affordable housing developments initiated by participating local governments. In FY 2013, participating communities have access to $1.9 million in funding set aside exclusively for the construction of new multi-family affordable housing.

 

The Process

 

HCD evaluates and scores new and updated affordable housing plans based on an objective set of criteria. Local governments that have submitted high-quality plans and fulfill biennial reporting requirements are invited to participate in the CDHP.

 

Qualifying cities and counties that opt to participate in the program nominate an affordable housing project that fulfills a need identified in their affordable housing plan. HCD then helps the participating local governments locate and select a project developer. The project developer secures project funding, which includes applying for CDHP funding in the form of zero to three percent interest loans through the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund (OWHLF). Following the application process, the OWHLF Board makes final funding allocation decisions, with preference given to participants that demonstrate a willingness to provide local match (such as land donations, fee waivers, and RDA/EDA housing set-aside funds).

 

Participants

 

Developments initiated through the CDHP process that have received OWHLF funding include the following:

 

• Vernal Gardens Apartments (48 units of workforce housing in Vernal, Utah)

• West Jordan Senior II Apartments (72 units of senior housing in West Jordan, Utah)

• Cinema Court Apartments (60 units of workforce housing in Moab, Utah)

• Eastgate Apartments (72 units of workforce housing in Price, Utah)

 

Learn More

 

HCD provides technical assistance to communities as they update and improve their affordable housing plans. For more information on the criteria HCD uses in evaluating affordable housing plans, how HCD scored your city or county’s plan, possible improvements to a plan, or whether your city or county currently qualifies for the CDHP, please contact Nick Baker at nbaker@utah.gov or (801) 526-4313.