Title
Planning and Building Department, Affordable Housing Unit, recommending the Board:
1) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 180-2025 for the submittal of a 2025 Community Development Block Grant Program application to the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development to provide up to $1,500,000 as funding for the El Dorado County First-Time Homebuyer Program; and
2) If awarded, authorize the Director of the Planning and Building Department, or designee, contingent upon approval by County Counsel, to execute the grant agreement, grant-related documents, and subsequent amendments thereto that do not affect the dollar amount or term of the agreement.
FUNDING: Federal Community Development Block Grant Funds - 100%.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) dated September 30, 2025, for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.
The objectives of the CDBG Program are to develop viable communities by the provision of decent affordable housing, a suitable living environment, and to expand economic opportunities, principally for the benefit of low- and moderate-income persons, families, households, and neighborhoods.
The Planning and Building Department, Affordable Housing Unit, (Department) desires to submit an application for an allocation of up to $1,500,000 of CDBG Program funds for El Dorado County’s First-Time Homebuyer (FTHB) Program in response to the 2025 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). If awarded, the funds for the FTHB Program will help provide eligible first-time homebuyers with deferred second-priority loans to purchase a home within the unincorporated areas of El Dorado County, providing a long-term housing solution.
The Affordable Housing Unit focuses on creating permanent housing solutions for low- to moderate-income households by financing the development of affordable rental units and providing loans for homebuyers and homeowners. Its mission is to administer and expand grant-funded programs offered by HCD that support a variety of housing loan initiatives and deliver economic benefits to the County. Guided by Board policy and the Housing Element of the County’s General Plan, the Affordable Housing Unit is responsible for implementing and managing housing loan programs and income-restricted development projects to help meet the County’s long-term housing objectives.
Although the County is prioritizing an application for First-Time Homebuyer (FTHB) Program funding under the current CDBG NOFA, staff are also actively working to update the County’s Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation and Rebuild Program Guidelines, as well as the Building Fee Deferral Program Guidelines. These updates aim to ensure the programs remain aligned with current state and federal requirements, streamline implementation, and expand housing assistance options available to low- and moderate-income homeowners.
By allowing the Department to submit a CDBG Program application, the County is complying with Measure HO-17 of the County’s Housing Element, which directs the County to continue applying for funding to support the FTHB Program.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may deny the request to submit an application for CDBG Program grant funding. Doing so would prevent the County from pursuing grant resources to support the FTHB Program, which offers eligible low- to moderate-income households the opportunity to achieve homeownership.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The grant amount of $1,500,000 would be a pass-through amount from the County to the applicants. Up to seven (7) percent of the grant total may be allocated for General Administration, which would cover County staff time dedicated to managing the grant. There is no General Fund match requirement, and repayment of FTHB loans would become County Program Income, available for future, eligible activities.
If the County is awarded grant funds, the Department will process a budget transfer to accurately reflect the Revenues and Expenses for the applicable Fiscal Year.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk of the Board will secure the Chair's signature on the original copy of the Resolution; and
2) The Clerk of the Board will provide two (2) certified Resolution copies to the Planning and Building Department, attention Jennifer Morris, Sr. Administrative Analyst.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Safe and Healthy Communities
Priority: Develop a continuum of support and housing opportunities for unhoused individuals
Action Item: Develop a comprehensive plan for affordable housing opportunities
CONTACT
Robert Peters, Deputy Director of Planning
Planning and Building Department