Core-Development is a term coined by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to define the fundamental (core) elements of housing development undertaken by project owners and their development teams when planning, creating, modifying, rehabilitating, and maintaining affordable housing. Core-Development consists principally of the following development and post-development stewardship-focused activities:
- Planning and community development
- Site selection and due diligence
- Design and construction team considerations
- OHCS design and construction standards
- Development progress and documentation requirements
- Post-development portfolio management requirements (specifically, requirements associated with routine monitoring of the physical health of portfolio properties)
The activities listed above distinguish Core-Development from the other principal functions of the department that are more focused on program development and administration, resource allocation, and regulatory compliance.
Core-Development is administered via the Core-Development Manual (CDM) and via a series of Core-Development Memoranda.
The CDM and Core-Development Memoranda apply to a given project only when these guides are specifically referenced as a required resource in official department communications. This includes communications associated with the department's current funding process or when department staff refer a party to these resources for guidance.
CDM and ORCA CDM Supplement
Oregon Centralized Application (ORCA) CDM Supplement
Effective May 6, 2024: The ORCA CDM Supplement serves as a road map for ORCA applicants to use when needing to use the Core-Development Manual to apply for funding through ORCA. If you are an ORCA applicant, please refer to the supplement document first.
CDM Version 3.1 (PDF)
Effective Jan. 1, 2020: Applies to Notice of Funding Availability or ORCA applications received on or after Jan. 1, 2020.
Core Development Forms
Project teams may use the most current CDM forms in these folders or they may use the forms that are included in the Version of the CDM/PDM that is applicable to their project. Where forms are not available in these folders, the form from the applicable CDM/PDM should be used.
Questions and comments? Contact Kevin Burgee, Department Architect,Kevin.Burgee@hcs.oregon.gov.