Pullman council supports grant bid for Sunnyside Hill housing project

Pullman City Council advanced plans to partner with Hills & Rivers Housing Trust in pursuing a grant for affordable housing development on Sunnyside Hill. The grant will be sought from the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program, which has $55 million available for projects statewide, with $30 million earmarked for low-income households. This funding will assist with significant costs related to road improvements and utility connections for the vacant property at Southwest Elm and West Main streets. Additionally, the council addressed the recent closure of the Gladish Community and Cultural Center, opening space in the old city hall for displaced tenants at a low cost. Jeff Elbracht, the interim city administrator, indicated that over a dozen organizations would be affected, with several already showing interest in the temporary space.

Councilor Ann Parks expressed gratitude for the city's prompt action to aid local nonprofits. The housing development will still require zoning and permitting processes before moving forward. The grant awards are expected to be announced in January 2026, with funds to be utilized within two years.