Community Development Committee — Columbia, SC
Date: 2025-10-21
Time: 18:00

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2025


The Community Development Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday,
October 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room),
1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. Members of the public
may view the meeting online at www.columbiasc.gov. Please contact the
City Clerk’s Office at (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have
questions regarding this meeting.

 The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, District I
 The Honorable William Brennan, District III ▪ The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large

CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. September 23, 2025 Community Development Committee Meeting Minutes

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Mobile Market Update - Ms. Ayesha Driggers, Director / Office of Business
 Opportunities

3. Grocery Store Rebate Update - Ms. Ayesha Driggers, Director / Office of
 Business Opportunities

4. Discussion of Design and Materials Used in Housing Developments - Ms.
 Felicia Kilgore, Director / Community Development and Mr. Harrison C.
 Joseph, Executive Director / TN Development Corporation

ADJOURNMENT




 Page 1 of 1

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2025


The Community Development Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday,
October 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room),
1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. Members of the public
may view the meeting online at www.columbiasc.gov. Please contact the
City Clerk’s Office at (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have
questions regarding this meeting.

 The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, District I
 The Honorable William Brennan, District III ▪ The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large

CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. September 23, 2025 Community Development Committee Meeting Minutes

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Mobile Market Update - Ms. Ayesha Driggers, Director / Office of Business
 Opportunities

3. Grocery Store Rebate Update - Ms. Ayesha Driggers, Director / Office of
 Business Opportunities

4. Discussion of Design and Materials Used in Housing Developments - Ms.
 Felicia Kilgore, Director / Community Development and Mr. Harrison C.
 Joseph, Executive Director / TN Development Corporation

ADJOURNMENT




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MEETING DATE: October 21, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: September 23, 2025 Community Development
 Committee Meeting Minutes
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
 • #a: CD_MN_09232025 (DOCX)




Updated: 10/16/2025 2:48 PM Page 1
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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Community Development Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday,
September 23, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street,
Columbia, South Carolina 229201. The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, Chair called the
meeting to order at 11:01 a.m. and the following members were present:
 Attendee Name Title Status
 Tina N. Herbert Chair Present
 Will Brennan Member Present
 Tyler D. Bailey Member Present

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. June 3, 2025 and August 19, 2025 Community Development Committee
 Meeting Minutes – Approved

Upon a motion made by Mr. Bailey and seconded by Mr. Brennan, the Committee
voted unanimously to approve the June 3, 2025 and August 19, 2025 Community
Development Committee Meeting Minutes.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Fiscal
 Year 2024-2025- Ms. Felicia Kilgore, Director of Community Development –
 Received as information

Ms. Felicia Kilgore, Director of Community Development presented the department’s
annual HUD (Department of Urban Housing and Development) report for the final
year of the 2024–2025 Consolidated Plan. She reported receiving over $3 million in
CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds, $700,000 in HOME (Investment
Partnership Program funds, and $1.8 million in HOPWA (Housing Opportunity For
Persons with Aids) funds, along with $18.5 million in congressional mitigation grants
supporting the Olympia Fire Station and canal head gate projects. The department
leveraged $5.8 million in federal funds to generate $11.9 million in additional
investment for housing, economic development, and community services. Programs
such as Love Your Block, neighborhood sweeps, and housing loans benefited
hundreds of residents and 878 citizens received utility assistance through the
Customer Assistance Program (CAP) program. She noted the disaster recovery
program has been closed out and the annual report will be submitted to HUD by
September 29, 2025.


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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025


There was discussion about public notice requirements; funding for the Olympia Fire
Station and use of capital improvement dollars; eligibility and use of HOME American
Rescue Plan ACT funds for homelessness prevention; and park restroom upgrades.

Upon a motion made by Mr. Bailey and seconded by Mr. Brennan, the Committee
voted unanimously to approve the submission of the CAPER report.

There was consensus of the committee to present the report to City Council at a Work
Session.

3. Update on City-owned, Vacant Residential Lots - Mr. Jeff Palen, Assistant City
 Manager/Chief Financial Officer and Ms. Felicia Kilgore, Director of Community
 Development – Received as information.

Mr. Jeff Palen, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer provided an update on
city-owned residential properties and development activity. A total of 68 residential
lots are being tracked through the GIS Department, with maps showing properties
across areas such as Five Points, North Main, and Two Notch Road. Several parcels
are being used through the City’s housing programs in partnership with the TN
Development Corporation. There are nine homes nearing completion as part of phase
one and plans for additional lots in phase two.

There was discussion about whether any listed parcels were located outside city
limits; the status of Ridgewood properties and their ownership history; adding TN
Development’s phase-one lots to future reports; tracking property activation and
development progress through the GIS system; and creating a five-year real estate
strategy to guide the use of vacant residential parcels.

4. Establishing a Process to Support State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
 Projects - Ms. Felicia Kilgore, Director of Community Development – Received
 as information.

Mr. Jeff Palen, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer provided an overview of
the City’s process for reviewing and supporting affordable and workforce housing
developments seeking municipal assistance or letters of support.

Ms. Felicia Kilgore, Director of Community Development explained how developers
request City backing for State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit applications and other
funding sources.



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 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025


There was discussion about creating a clear review process for housing development
requests; ensuring City Council’s awareness before letters of support are issued;
coordinating with state housing deadlines; involving neighborhood associations;
addressing low income housing on Bull Street; integrating the process with the loan
committee; and setting a funding threshold for Committee notification.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 12:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, MMC, CPM
City Clerk




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MEETING DATE: October 21, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Mobile Market Update - Ms. Ayesha Driggers,
 Director / Office of Business Opportunities
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:




Updated: 10/16/2025 3:21 PM Page 1
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MEETING DATE: October 21, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Grocery Store Rebate Update - Ms. Ayesha Driggers,
 Director / Office of Business Opportunities
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:




Updated: 10/16/2025 3:22 PM Page 1
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MEETING DATE: October 21, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Discussion of Design and Materials Used in Housing
 Developments - Ms. Felicia Kilgore, Director /
 Community Development and Mr. Harrison C.
 Joseph, Executive Director / TNDC
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
 • #a: Housing Standard Guide for Community Development (PPTX)
 • #a: Housing Standard Guide for Community Development (PPTX)
 • #c: City of Columbia - HUD Cost Reasonableness Guide (PDF)
 • #c: City of Columbia - HUD Cost Reasonableness Guide (PDF)




Updated: 10/17/2025 3:50 PM Page 1
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 Housing Standard Guide
The City of Columbia Housing Division “Housing Standards Guide”


 City of Columbia Community Development Department
 Felicia Kilgore, Director
 1401 Main St, 4th Floor
 Columbia, SC 29201
 Phone: (803) 545-3766




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 Housing Standard Guide

This information is intended for Community Housing Development Organizations
(CHDOs), sub-recipients, developers, contractors, homeowners and any
other agents who are receiving HUD federal funds invested in their property.

It aims to provide a clearer understanding of the guidelines that must be followed to
secure HOME funding from the City of Columbia Community Development Department
(City).

The document outlines the minimum construction and rehabilitation requirements for
HOME-funded programs in the City. Please note that certain non-essential items may
not qualify for funding under this program. The City reserves the right to determine
which items are considered non-essential and may deny funding for them.




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 Housing Standard Guide
The purpose of the HOME Housing Standard Guidelines is to establish uniform property
standards for all housing units assisted under the HOME Program. These guidelines
ensure that funded properties meet quality, safety, and long-term sustainability
requirements as defined by HUD and local codes.




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 Housing Standard Guide
All construction activities must follow local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including
zoning rules. Federal requirements include:

• Property standards in 24 CFR Part 92
• Lead-based paint regulations in 24 CFR Part 35 and 40 CFR Part 745
• Accessibility standards in 24 CFR Part 8 and 28 CFR Parts 35 & 36, when applicable
• International Residential Code (IRC) or International Building Code (IBC) – Where
 applicable

HOME-funded projects must meet the Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS) as stated in
24 CFR 5.705.

Housing projects with more than four rental units must install broadband infrastructure per 24
CFR 5.100 unless the City grants an exception under §92.508(a)(3)(iv).




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 Housing Standard Guide

Core Principle — Long-Term Affordability and Quality
HUD’s central goal for affordable homeownership housing is to ensure that low-income
families can purchase safe, decent, and sustainable homes that will remain affordable for
the long term.

This means:
Durable construction and quality materials to minimize maintenance costs.
Energy-efficient design to reduce utility expenses for the homeowner.
Compliance with affordability periods and resale/recapture provisions.

General Housing Quality Standards all HOME assist housing units:
• Be decent, safe, sanitary and in good repair
• Provide adequate heating, plumbing, and electrical systems in working order.
• Have no evidence of structural failure, roof leaks, or foundation issues.
• Be free from health and safety hazards, including mold, asbestos, or lead-based paint.
• Meet local occupancy and zoning requirements.




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 Housing Standard Guide
Rehabilitation Standards
For rehabilitation projects, the participating jurisdiction (PJ) must:
• Establish written rehabilitation standards describing materials, methods, and performance
  requirements for all major systems (roofing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, foundation, etc.).
• Ensure that all deficiencies are corrected before project completion.
• Require energy efficiency improvements consistent with HUD or local energy codes.
• Confirm that all work is performed by licensed and insured contractors.
• Maintain work write-ups, cost estimates, and final inspections in the project file.


New Construction Standards
All newly constructed housing assisted with HOME funds must:
• Meet state and local building codes and HUD’s Model Energy Code or equivalent.
• Include modern and durable construction materials, energy-efficient lighting and
 appliances, and effective insulation.
• Be designed for sustainability and long-term affordability.
• Comply with Accessibility Standards under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Fair Housing
 Act Design and Construction Requirements, and ADA where applicable.




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 Housing Standard Guide
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
HOME-assisted properties should:
•Meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® standards or the International Energy Conservation
Code (IECC).
•Incorporate water-saving fixtures and appliances.
•Use low-VOC paints, sealants, and flooring materials.
•Encourage solar or green infrastructure where feasible.


Lead-Based Paint and Environmental Review
• Units built before 1978 must comply with Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act
  and 24 CFR Part 35.
• Environmental reviews must be conducted per 24 CFR Part 58 prior to commitment of
  HOME funds.
• No project may proceed until HUD’s environmental clearance is complete.




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 Housing Standard Guide
HUD does not support or reimburse the use of luxury materials or finishes in the
construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing for homeownership when funded with HUD
programs such as HOME, CDBG, or HOME-ARP.

HUD’s guidance and regulations require cost reasonableness and appropriate quality, not luxury or
premium-grade products.

HUD’s Expectation: “Quality, Not Luxury”
HUD expects materials to be:
• Durable and energy-efficient (for long-term affordability).
• Low-maintenance (to reduce homeowner cost burden).
• Consistent with neighborhood standards (not excessive compared to surrounding housing).
Examples of acceptable materials:
• Solid-surface or laminate countertops (not quartz or granite)
• Mid-grade cabinetry (not custom-built)Energy Star-rated standard appliances (not premium or professional series)
• Vinyl plank or tile flooring (not hardwood or marble)


HUD encourages “value engineering” — selecting materials that maximize durability and energy
efficiency without elevating the home above affordable market norms.




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 Questions?
 FELICIA KILGORE, DIRECTOR
  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
 1401 MAIN STREET, 4TH FLOOR
 COLUMBIA, SC 29201
 PHONE: 803.545.3373
COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENT@COLUMBIASC.GOV




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 City of Columbia – Community Development Department
 HUD Cost Reasonableness Guide

For Affordable Housing Development (HOME, CDBG, HOME-ARP Programs)

Purpose:
To ensure that all construction and rehabilitation costs charged to HUD-funded housing projects
are reasonable, necessary, and consistent with the intent to provide affordable, durable,
and sustainable housing—not luxury or excessive upgrades.

HUD Core Principle

“All costs must be necessary and reasonable for the proper and efficient performance and
administration of the federal award.”
— 2 CFR §200.404 & 24 CFR §92.251

HUD defines reasonable costs as those that:

 • Reflect what a prudent person would pay in the local market.
 • Are consistent with modest housing in the same community.
 • Support long-term affordability and energy efficiency.
 • Avoid unnecessary luxury or excessive expenditures.

✅ Allowed / Recommended Materials & Features

Category Allowed / Recommended HUD Rationale
 Affordable, durable, and easy to
Countertops Laminate, solid-surface (Formica, Corian)
 maintain
 Factory-built stock or semi-custom
Cabinetry Cost-effective and repairable
 cabinets
 Vinyl plank, sheet vinyl, tile, standard
Flooring Long-lasting, easy to clean
 carpet
 Standard Energy Star refrigerator, stove,
Appliances Energy efficient, modest cost
 dishwasher
Windows Double-pane vinyl, Low-E glass Meets energy efficiency standards
Fixtures Mid-grade plumbing and lighting fixtures Affordable and functional
Roofing Architectural shingles, standard asphalt Cost-effective, long lifespan
Exterior
 Vinyl, fiber cement siding Low maintenance, durable
Finishes
 Supports affordability through
HVAC/Systems Energy-efficient systems (SEER ≥14)
 lower utilities



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❌ Not Allowed / Not Recommended (Luxury or Excessive)

Category Luxury / Disallowed Examples HUD Concern
Countertops Granite, quartz, marble Inflates cost; not essential
 Exceeds modest housing
Cabinetry Custom hardwood cabinetry
 standard
Flooring Hardwood, travertine, imported tile High cost, high maintenance
 Professional-grade (Viking, Sub-Zero, Not reasonable for affordable
Appliances
 Bosch) housing
Fixtures Designer plumbing or light fixtures Aesthetic luxury, not necessity
 Premium materials, high
Roofing Metal, slate, tile roofs
 replacement cost
 Increases cost beyond
Exterior Finishes Brick on all elevations
 affordability range
Technology / Smart Smart home systems, luxury
 Non-essential upgrades
Features security, in-wall sound



⚙ Key Cost Controls

 • Value Engineer: Choose durable but modest materials that ensure longevity.
 • Compare Local Standards: Align with typical finishes of new affordable homes in the
 same market.
 • Document Cost Reasonableness: Maintain bids, market comparisons, and justification
 for materials chosen.
 • Energy Efficiency Emphasis: Focus on lowering long-term operating costs for
 homeowners, not luxury appeal.

🏗🏗 HUD’s Expectation

HUD expects affordable housing construction to:

 • Reflect quality and pride, not luxury.
 • Promote sustainability and durability.
 • Maximize the use of federal funds to serve more families.



Key Reminder:

“Build homes people are proud to live in—without pricing out the family.”




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