Affordable Housing Ad Hoc Committee - July 14, 2026

The Richland County Affordable Housing Ad Hoc Committee met on July 14, 2026, to discuss ongoing affordable housing initiatives and funding strategies. Key procurement-related topics included updates on a partnership with Columbia Housing involving memorandums of understanding and agreements for funding, affordability, and homeowner selection processes. The committee emphasized the importance of meeting HUD deadlines tied to COVID-related funding for rehabilitating 14 homes by September 2027. Additionally, the committee considered pursuing a partnership with the South Carolina Housing Trust Fund's home repair program to access state funds, which would reduce regulatory burdens and expand funding opportunities beyond current HUD grants. This partnership was approved by a unanimous vote. The meeting also addressed policy considerations for a proposed down payment assistance program, debating whether to structure assistance as forgivable loans or grants, lien priorities, and eligibility criteria. The committee planned to revisit these issues in a September meeting, with staff tasked to provide a pros and cons analysis of loan versus grant options to inform future decisions.