SICOG offers housing planning for our members in the region through the use of Housing Needs Assessments. Housing Needs Assessments can assist cities and counties in determining and documenting housing needs and developing a strategic plan for housing. Plans can also be developed to assist communities that have utilized Tax Increment Financing and are required to use a proportion of the taxes generated to assist low-to-moderate income households. Furthermore, SICOG is willing to have a comprehensive discussion about what funding sources are available for particular projects and how SICOG can help to achieve community-housing goals.
For more information about planning services that SICOG offers, check out our Planning Page for more details.
Grants are available for housing projects. Grants can help fund development projects and programs from the planning stage through implementation and operation. Almost any project, program, or initiative can be funded in part by funding from grant sources outside of the city. SICOG has experience with construction, equipment, staffing, planning, and operations grants. SICOG offers free grant writing services to member communities. Visit the Grant Opportunities page for a full listing of grants available.
The following are housing specific grants that are available to communities.
Grant | Funding Uses | Eligible Applicants | Estimated Deadlines |
FHLB Affordable Housing Program | Affordable housing programs – ownership, new construction, rehabilitation, rental projects | Local governments, non-profits, and private developers (see article) | Spring/summer |
CDBG Housing Fund | Housing rehabilitation & homeownership assistance | Local governments | Fall |
Downpayment Assistance (Housing Revolving Loan Fund (H-RLF))
The SICOG H-RLF Program was created to help first-time homebuyers (persons who have not owned or purchased a home in the last three years) meet the need for a down payment on a home. At the onset of the program it was determined that the lack of sufficient down payment was a major obstacle for first-time homebuyers. To help close the gap:
SICOG H-RLF loans are available to eligible homebuyers in SICOG’s eight-county region where a 25% local match of the loan amount has been provided by the county, the city, a development group, a lending institution, or other individuals or businesses. Providing local match funds is a positive way for local governments, employers or others to encourage potential homebuyers to remain within their communities as homeowners, help create a stable workforce, and to bring to the community the benefits of homeownership among citizens who might otherwise not be able to purchase their first home.
If you are interested in further information about this program, please call the SICOG office at (641) 782-8491. This program is currently suspended.