After a little under a year since its launch, the first 10 City Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) homes are being built. Introduced by Kim Froman, director of Housing and Community Development, the program encourages developers to build specifically for middle- and low-income residents by offsetting construction costs. “The lack of affordable housing in Pittsburg is restricting growth and the ability to support workforce demands,” Froman told the city commission last December, saying that high material costs, delivery delays, market forces and a shortage of skilled labor are diverting resources away from rural areas. Under the program, a contractor can apply for a building permit and license to build a single-family home and submit the building plans. The contractor then applies for the CHIP, which is reviewed and approved by the city. During construction, the contractor tracks all building expenses until the home is completed and the home receives a certificate of occupancy from the city.
Read more: – Morning Sun