Source. #14044, eff 8-8-24

1. (a) The department shall utilize a scoring matrix on a scale of 0-100 pursuant to (b) below. An award cap shall be administered based on availability of funding.

2. (b) The department shall utilize a scoring matrix, in which 50 points is the minimum for funding consideration as follows:

   1. (1) A maximum of 30 points shall be awarded for the use of funds to increase workforce housing and other affordable housing availability utilizing the following criteria:

      1. a. How the use of awarded funds will be utilized to increase the availability of workforce and other housing in the municipality and region relative to other applicants;
      2. b. An emphases on developing workforce housing and housing affordable for households at 150 percent of AMI or less, while ensuring at least 20 percent of the units in a given project are affordable for households at 80 percent of AMI or less; and
      3. c. Reward affordability requirements in excess of 10 years:

   2. (2) A maximum of 30 points shall be awarded for municipal and regional housing needs, collaboration, and project location utilizing the following criteria:

      1. a. needs in the municipality or region relative to other applicants;
      2. b. Prioritize issuing awards statewide and avoid a concentration of investments; and
      3. c. Give weight to funding for smaller municipalities:

   3. (3) A maximum of 25 points shall be awarded for available infrastructure and infrastructure needs utilizing the following criteria:

      1. a. Prioritize projects utilizing existing municipal infrastructure including but not limited to wastewater collection, water lines, sidewalks, and proximity to community green spaces;
      2. b. Incentivize projects repurposing existing structures or infill in community centers and downtowns;
      3. c. Reward projects utilizing renewable energy, high efficiency ratings, and creative solutions to reduce or stabilize housing costs to renters; and
      4. d. Incentivize collaboration among community and regional stakeholders to help ensure funded projects or programs will experience success; and

   4. (4) A maximum of 15 points shall be awarded for demonstrated ability and capacity to complete the project utilizing the following criteria:

      1. a. Ensure funding is provided to financially sound projects; and
      2. b. Encourage using funds in ways distinct from other available funding sources to fill gaps missed by those funding sources but meeting a need in the housing market.

Source. #14044, eff 8-8-24