Placer Board of Supervisors approve grant application for community development

The Placer County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development. According to the grant program website, it partners with rural jurisdictions to improve the lives of low- and moderate-income residents through the creation and expansion of community and economic development opportunities. Funds can be utilized for activities such as housing, public improvements, community facilities, public services, planning and technical assistance and Native American and Colonia communities. According to the staff report, Placer will apply for up to $1,005,000 in funding to be used for three activities: Homebuyer assistance up to $525,000 to fund the First Time Homebuyer Program. Home rehabilitation program up to $230,000 for a Home Hardening Loan Program. Planning and technical assistance up to $250,000 to conduct a National Environmental Policy Act Study of the Placer County Government Center in North Auburn in support of development of future public facilities. According to Placer County Associate Planner Devin McNally, the National Environmental Policy Act Study will allow the county to apply for future grants for infrastructure and housing development on the government campus. Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson asked if defensible space and clearing of trees would be eligible under the home-hardening program after she received questions about program qualifications from members of the Meddlers Forum in Auburn on Tuesday morning. "The way this would work is we're applying as part of rehabilitation so it would have to be improvements to property," McNally said, noting he was not sure if clearing would qualify but would confirm and return to the board with that information. Acting County Executive Officer Jane Christenson advised a wildfire preparedness session would be held during the board's June 21 meeting and suggested additional information on the program opportunities could be shared as well. The board received two comments, including a request to work with realtors or host a class so the public is aware of the programs available to them. The Placer Supervisors approved the grant application in a unanimous vote.