Applications open for $90 million in Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program grant funding
Apply by Sept. 26
Commerce is now accepting applications for a new round of Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) grants. Application materials are available on the CHIP webpage.
CHIP connects affordable housing projects to utility systems, and can reimburse costs associated with water, sewer and stormwater improvements and waived system development charges. This includes upsizing water and sewer lines to serve increased density, and water and sewer line extensions to serve new affordable housing developments.
Eligibility
A CHIP applicant must be a city, county or public utility district in partnership with an affordable housing developer. Projects must meet specific criteria:
- Located in a jurisdiction that imposes an affordable housing sales and use tax under RCW 82.14.530(1)(a)(ii) and (1)(b)(i)(B), RCW 82.14.540, or RCW 84.52.105. This includes all counties and the cities within them except Stevens and Ferry counties.
- Located within the urban growth area (UGA) boundary.
- A minimum of 25% of the units are set aside as affordable to low- or moderate-income households.
- The affordable housing development must begin construction within 24 months of the CHIP award.
- A strong probability of serving residents within the specified income levels for at least 25 years.
Funding details
CHIP is offering a range of funding options to support the development of affordable housing:
- $55 million for all eligible jurisdictions.
- $30 million for projects serving low-income households in jurisdictions with 150,000 or fewer residents.
- $5 million for projects serving moderate-income households in Chelan, Douglas and Okanagan counties.
Applications are due by Friday, Sept. 26. Commerce anticipates announcing successful grantees in January 2026.
Virtual workshops
You can view a recording of the CHIP funding webinar July 10 to support your application. There is also a virtual application workshop for the $5 million Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan funding set-aside scheduled for 1 p.m. Aug. 14. Registration is required to attend.
Questions?
For questions, contact Mischa Venables, CHIP Program Manager, at [email protected].
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