Applications are now open for a new round of Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) grants. Competitive grants of up to $2 million are available until Sept. 30:
- $25.8 million for eligible jurisdictions statewide
- $5.2 million for projects in eligible jurisdictions with a population less than 150,000.
CHIP helps local governments encourage the creation of affordable housing by reducing or covering the cost of infrastructure associated with development. More information is available in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and on the CHIP webpage.
Who is eligible?
A CHIP applicant must be a city, county or public utility district in partnership with an affordable housing developer. Projects must meet specific criteria:
- Located in a jurisdiction that imposes an affordable housing sales and use tax under RCW 82.14.530(1)(a)(ii) and (1)(b)(i)(B), RCW 82.14.540, or RCW 84.52.105. This includes all counties and the cities within them except Stevens and Ferry counties.
- Located in the urban growth area (UGA) boundary.
- A minimum of 25% of the units are set aside as affordable to low-income households.
- Construction on the development must begin within 24 months of the CHIP award.
- A strong probability of remaining affordable for at least 25 years.
It is recommended that applicants be able to demonstrate that funds can be spent by June 30, 2027.
How to apply
- Apply for CHIP on ZoomGrants by Sept. 30.
- Refer to the CHIP Handbook (PDF) for application instructions and detailed program information.
Awards announcements are anticipated in early 2027.
Pre-application webinar
Commerce hosted a pre-application webinar for CHIP applicants on July16.
- Watch a recording of the pre-application webinar (Vimeo)
- View/download the pre-application webinar slides (PDF)