County staff told the Regional Housing Council the most recent state funding figures were better than earlier projections but a later Commerce formula correction reduced the amount slightly. Overall, however, the county’s total homelessness-related funding for the coming period is roughly flat compared with the prior year.

Tom (county staff) said the county had earlier planned for a roughly 20% reduction in state funds but Commerce issued a more favorable budget; the county then learned of an error and that awards must be adjusted downward by about $500,000 from the figure staff briefly expected. Tom said the net result is funding remains roughly at prior-year levels.

Tom also said the homeless-prevention (EPRA) allocation was substantially larger than staff originally projected: planners had budgeted for about $1 million per year but Commerce will provide about $2.3 million per year for homeless-prevention/rent assistance.

Staff said they are working to revise award amounts proportionally across eligible projects, inform agencies of adjusted awards, and bring final recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners in June. Final award numbers will be made public once contracts are complete.