Williamson County has begun accepting applications for its fiscal year 2020-21 community block grant program, and Georgetown staff is applying for funds that would allow them to start on two projects to address affordable housing issues,.

“We think this is an opportunity to immediately implement the goals and policies that are outlined in the housing element that was updated in the 2030 plan passed two weeks ago,” Housing Coordinator Susan Watkins said to council March 24.

Projects submitted for funding consideration are required to be located in low- to moderate-income areas—defined as areas wherein at least 47% of households have incomes at or below 80% of the area median income.

Staff proposed the following.

• Project 1: This project would fund infrastructure support, such as water/wastewater utility development funding, for six to 12 units on 21st Street developed by Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County. The units will be for sale to low- to moderate-income homeowners. The project supports the 2030 plan’s housing policy: “increase home ownership choices for workforce households.”
• Project 2: This project would see the government partner with Habitat for Humanity to administer a home repair program. The project supports the 2030 plan’s housing policy: “Preserve existing housing stock that contributes to affordability; home rehabilitation for low-income homeowners supports the preservation of that housing.”

Council members unanimously expressed support for the projects and will be asked to approve the grant applications at council's April 14 meeting.