Development
The Housing Authority of Washington County (HAWC) is a separate entity of Washington County's Department of Housing Services that is responsible for Development and Portfolio Management. HAWC, either directly or through a wholly owned affiliate, may work with developers, financial institutions and government agencies to build or acquire/rehabilitate thriving affordable housing communities in Washington County.
HAWC may work directly with property owners, land owners, for-profit, and non-profit entities to identify needs and eligibility for assistance and financing programs for development that includes affordable housing. In addition, HAWC may provide technical assistance and collaborate on predevelopment and feasibility analysis for some developments.
In order to maintain quality of life and future economic competitiveness, the County needs stable and affordable housing, access to transportation options, education, services and amenities for all residents, and a stable local workforce for area employers. HAWC may support affordable development through:
- Bond Issuance –Private Activity Tax- Exempt or Taxable, 501(C)(3) or Conduit
- Property Tax Exemption
- Project Based Vouchers
- Property Acquisition
- Partnerships with developers or government entities
Bond issuance capacity
HAWC may issue tax-exempt private activity or taxable bonds, and conduit bonds to finance affordable housing development or mixed-income developments (pursuant to State and Federal laws). HAWC may also issue 501(c)(3) bonds to qualified nonprofits to develop housing for specific populations. HAWC's bond issuance capacity and ability to partner in unique deals involving other government entities in public-private partnerships helps the County's economic development by insuring a supply of affordable housing for Washington County residents.
Project Based Vouchers (PBV)
Project-Based Vouchers help provide housing of all types and prices. Including project-based voucher units ensures that subsidized housing is available for community members who need it. Project-based vouchers provide a guaranteed revenue stream for affordable units, and support project financing.
Project-based voucher units can provide long-term affordable rents to low-income households, while insuring that landlords receive fair market rent for their units. In a project-based unit with a fair market rent of $900,a qualified household would pay no more than 30% of their income towards rent. The remaining rent would be paid by the Housing Authority, so the landlord would receive the full $900 fair market rent for the unit. Project-based voucher units are available for households earning 50% Median Family Income (MFI) or less, and may be targeted to serve special populations.
Developers interested in including project-based units should contact HAWC.
Utility allowance schedule
Utility allowance schedules are utilized by both property owners/managers and housing developers. The following schedule is the latest one used for the County:
Project acquisition
HAWC may acquire suitable properties in order to preserve their affordability. View HAWC affordable properties. Contact HAWC if you have questions about property acquisition.
Predevelopment loans
Washington County developers interested in predevelopment loans should apply directly to the Community Housing Fund (CHF).
Development funds
Washington County developers interested in applying for HOME Investment Partnerships Program or Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding should apply directly to the Office of Community Development.
Development portfolio
Some examples of recent HAWC developments in collaboration with private and non-profit developers or with other local government partners include: