Overview
- Council moved the first-year H.O.M.E. budget forward after extensive testimony and negotiations, adopting an amendment that adds roughly $82.6 million to reach about $277 million.
- If approved next week, the measure enables the city to borrow the initial funds backed by $800 million in bonds, and it takes effect without the mayor’s signature.
- Mayor Cherelle Parker warned that council language could block bond issuance based on advice from the administration’s bond attorneys, and she said she is conferring with Council President Kenyatta Johnson on next steps.
- The proposal steers $39.2 million to Turn the Key homeownership, raises Affordable Housing Preservation Funds to $46.2 million, and boosts the Basic Systems Repair Program to $40 million with 90% reserved for households up to 60% of AMI.
- Lawmakers voted 15–0 to advance the plan as advocates pressed for deeper affordability, and Housing Committee Chair Jamie Gauthier said the program must prioritize residents most burdened by the housing market, including public servants.