The Office of Housing and Community Development in Hawai’i County is set to release up to $18 million for proposals aimed at promoting, expanding, and maintaining the supply of affordable housing. From May 1, eligible developers, public agencies, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and community land trusts can submit proposals for Affordable Housing Production Program funds. The program’s primary goal is to increase the availability of affordable rental and owner-occupied housing on Hawai’i Island and other requirements. The 2019 Hawai’i Housing Planning Study identified the need for 10,796 affordable housing units in the county by 2025, making the public-private partnerships that will be established through the Affordable Housing Production Program essential for meeting the community’s needs. The proposals must meet certain objectives, including the acquisition of property, design and construction of affordable housing, rehabilitation of housing, providing housing for special housing needs groups, investment in infrastructure, and other activities supporting affordable housing production. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the OHCD website by 4:30 p.m. on June 30, 2023. Eligible organizations and community members can participate in virtual information sessions scheduled for May 4 and May 9, 2023, via Zoom. The funding was made available through Ordinance 22-77, and the Office of Housing and Community Development will administer the Affordable Housing Production Program. This investment reflects the government’s commitment to increase the availability and quality of housing in the county.