Economic and Community Development

The Economic and Community Development Department has a primary mission of:

Improving the quality of housing for low to moderate income persons
Increasing homeownership opportunities for low to moderate income persons
Promoting fair housing
Improving public facilities in low to moderate income areas
Stimulating the local economy through the expansion of employment opportunities

Annual Action Plan
Maps of the community development housing projects new construction and rehabilitation plans:

The major public facilities project that we plan to do is to improve Elizabeth Street. We also plan to continue acquiring real property to continue implementing the Murray/Franklin Street Project located within the Westside target area.

Wanted: First-Time Homebuyers
The City's Joint Venture for Affordable Housing (JVAH) is a program that provides financial assistance to first time home buyers. Eligibility requirements include stable employment history, steady income, and a satisfactory credit history. For eligible participants, the City provides the following:

Land for construction
Down payment assistance ($10,000 deferred forgivable loan)
Closing costs and legal fees (not to exceed $4,500)

Two JVAH program houses are available:

218 K Street
714 Ila Street

Donating land may provide some landowners the opportunity for a tax deduction as well as eliminate the problem of nuisance abatement. If you are interested in participating in this progam, or donating your land to the city, then contact Grace Calhoun or Robyn Robinson at (864) 231-2223, 314 Tribble Street.