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<br />ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE <br />AGENDA ITEM 3A <br />STAFF ORIGINATOR: Jessica Eller, Community Development Specialist <br />MEETING DATE: July 9, 2026 <br />TOPIC:Housing Maintenance Assistance Program <br />BACKGROUND <br />In March 2023, the Economic Development Advisory Committee discussed the creation of a <br />housing maintenance assistance program utilizing available housing funds and directed staff to <br />evaluate programs offered by neighboring communities. Staff determined that a City program <br />should focus on encouraging exterior property improvements that enhance curb appeal, <br />preserve property values, and complement existing county housing rehabilitation programs. <br />The establishment of a Housing Maintenance Assistance Program was subsequently identified <br />as a priority within the Economic Development Advisory Committee's strategic plan to <br />encourage reinvestment in the City's existing housing stock and preserve neighborhood <br />character. <br />Since that discussion, staff has continued to evaluate community housing needs and has <br />developed two complementary grant programs for the Committee's consideration. <br />1.Home Improvement Program <br />The proposed Home Improvement Program is intended to preserve the City's existing <br />affordable owner-occupied housing stock by encouraging investment in aging homes through <br />reimbursement grants for exterior and essential home system improvements that enhance curb <br />appeal, promote health and safety, and extend the useful life of residential properties. <br />The proposed program would be limited to owner-occupied homes. Household income must <br />not exceed 80 percent of the greater of State or Area Median Income (AMI), as determined by <br />the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in accordance with <br />LAHA program requirements. Affordability limits are established annually based on area <br />median income. For 2026, eligible properties would have an estimated market value of <br />$319,900 or less and must be at least 30 years old. These eligibility requirements are intended <br /> to target investment in the City’s affordable and aging housing stock. <br />1 <br /> <br />