In a press release from Ogden City sent out earlier this week, officials announced that a new round of “Own in Ogden” funding is available and applications will be accepted beginning July 1.

“Since 1988, Own in Ogden helped make homeownership more accessible by offering downpayment assistance to individuals and families choosing to buy a home within city limits,” the release said. “These funds, up to $10,000, are not just for first-time homebuyers and can be used toward your down payment, closing costs, or reducing your mortgage balance. Last year alone, Own in Ogden helped more than 50 residents become homeowners in Ogden City.”

The Own in Ogden program is made possible through the federal HOME Investment Partnership Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD.

Ogden City Communications Director Mike McBride told the Standard-Examiner that the applications will be accepted on a fist-come, first-serve basis until the program budget is fully allocated.

“For the 2025 fiscal year, approximately $350,000 is initially available,” he said. “We anticipate being able to assist around 50 homebuyers this year in Ogden. The funding helps qualifying homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance when purchasing a home within Ogden city limits. It is a 0% interest deferred-payment loan, that is repaid when the homeowner sells their home. Helping families buy a home not only supports individual financial stability but also strengthens our neighborhoods and our city as a whole.”

He added there are some things to keep in mind, and that people in certain in-demand professions could qualify for additional funding.

“Applicants must be purchasing a home within Ogden city limits and use it as their primary residence,” he said. “The home’s sale price must be under $430,000 for an existing home. Income limits apply, based on HUD guidelines, and an additional requirement includes completing a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Most buyers receive $10,000 in assistance. Depending on the applicant’s employment, Ogden teachers, Ogden City employees and police and fire may qualify for $15,000-$20,000.”

Despite the volatility of federally funded programs in the first half of 2025, McBride said he isn’t worried about the program disappearing any time soon.

“While federal funding levels can vary from year to year, Own In Ogden has been a consistent and valued program for many years,” he said. “The City remains committed to supporting homeownership and neighborhood stability, and we continue to advocate for federal resources that help residents invest in Ogden.”

He said this is one of many ways the city is looking to improve home buying, in spite of the challenges the area faces geographically.

“Ogden is a built city, meaning that we have very little developable land to create new homes, so we have to be very creative with our existing inventory,” he said. “The Own in Ogden program is just one example of how Ogden is being proactive in helping to facilitate home ownership opportunities. For decades, Ogden has built with the model of smaller homes on smaller lots, as the state has recently asked other growing communities to consider. We are now considering zoning changes that might allow for future infill development and other ideas to continue to maximize opportunities for families to thrive.”

For more information on the “Own in Ogden” program and to apply, visit ogdencity.com/owninogden.