The City of Jefferson is partnering with Region XII Council of Governments for a potential housing program.

Housing Programs Coordinator Karla Janning presented a program where Region XII would build affordable housing through federal grants and revolving loan funds on vacant properties. The program includes three bedroom and two bath homes with attached garages and full basements. It would be for individuals that are 80-percent of the federal poverty level. Jefferson City Administrator Mike Palmer explains that the City’s only involvement is giving three vacant properties to Region XII.

“Essentially the City has no risk on this. They just need to turn the lots over. It is public property, so we’ll have to go through a process to dispose of public property which involves public hearings, so other people have a chance at those properties.”

At last week’s City Council meeting, the Council approved a letter of intent to donate three vacant lots which include 506 East Clark Street, 507 South Locust Street and 507 North Cedar Street. Palmer is excited that this program could kick-start other housing projects.

“The good thing is about these lots, they’re all clustered very close together. So as Karla from Region XII pointed out it would kind of really start to shape the neighborhood all at once.”

Region XII would be notified by this December if they receive the grant.