Unexpected funds puts Community Development Commission in a time crunch

Columbia city leaders have more federal funding than expected, but now need to decide how to spend it.

“The real challenge is making sure we get the money to use in an effective way,” Randy Cole, the housing programs supervisor for Columbia, said Wednesday.

Cole says the city normally gets around $1.2 million in federal grants, but this year that increased by about 30% to $1.6 million.

“It’s going to mean more people are being served, and that more units of affordable housing are being created,” Cole said.

The Community Development Commission is evaluating city and community program proposals to receive some of the unanticipated funding. The money needs to be allocated by June 26, which also requires approval from the City Council.

Cole said the commission is under “tight time constraints” to make their recommendations to council.

The commission heard city proposals at tonight’s meeting, and will hear ideas from their community in the City Council chambers at their June 6 meeting.