Solutions Council Meeting August 20, 2026

The Washington County Solutions Council meeting on August 20, 2026, focused heavily on procurement and budget discussions related to homelessness services. Key procurement activity included an active request for proposals (RFP) for the Central County Access Center operator, with the goal of establishing a fourth access center to provide unsheltered drop-in services. The council also discussed delays in construction projects such as the Next Step Community Pod Village and Cornell Road Recovery Transitional Housing. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and approving new Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) policies and procedures, which are necessary for compliance with HUD Continuum of Care (COC) requirements. The council approved updates to the Community Connect Phase 1 assessment questions to improve data collection for prioritization in housing referrals. Additionally, the meeting included a detailed presentation on the county's Supportive Housing Services (SHS) funding, outlining an estimated $189 million budget for fiscal year 26-27, with $14 million in unassigned funds available for new investments. Staff proposed allocations for capital reserves, access center operational stabilization, bridge shelter replacement, rehousing programs, and enhanced communication strategies for future ballot measures. The council engaged in a robust discussion about funding priorities, system gaps, and the sustainability of current programs. Finally, updates on Medicaid changes affecting vulnerable populations were shared, highlighting the need for ongoing coordination with healthcare providers. No votes were taken on the SHS funding proposals during this meeting, as further discussion is planned for September.