Placement: Resolutions / Public Hearing
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Resolution 26-R75, Public Hearing, Approval of Amended Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) 2025-2028 per the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program Compliance Guidelines and Opening of the 2-week Public Comment Period.
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Submitted By: Christina Flores, Executive Project Manager
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Executive Summary (General Business): The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) requires local governments to develop and maintain a Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) that details how the City will use its State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds during each three-year funding cycle. On June 26, 2026, Governor DeSantis signed SB 594 into law, establishing new requirements for the SHIP Program beginning in Fiscal Year 2026/2027. Staff have amended the LHAP to incorporate the required statutory changes, make additional necessary updates, and prepare the accompanying resolution, all of which are attached for approval. Following approval, the amended LHAP and resolution must be submitted to FHFC by September 30, 2026. Approval of the resolution will also initiate the required two-week public comment period. Notice of the public hearing and comment period has been published in the local newspaper.
Presentation Information: Staff are available to answer questions and document any public comments for submittal to the State.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the Resolution and the amended LHAP and authorize staff to submit the LHAP to the State's FHFC with any public comments received.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council request that staff amend the draft LHAP and Resolution and submit the updated draft LHAP to the State's FHFC with any public comments received.
Background: The Neighborhood Services Department has updated the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) in accordance with Section 420.9075, Florida Statutes, Senate Bill 594 (SB 594), applicable State guidelines, and current City policies and procedures. The amended LHAP will cover the 2025-2028 funding cycle and govern the use of State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds to provide housing assistance to eligible residents of the City of Port St. Lucie.
Issues/Analysis: The LHAP was amended based on requirements in SB 594
Financial Information: Amending the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) in accordance with Senate Bill 594 (SB 594) will ensure the City remains eligible to receive its projected Fiscal Year 2026/2027 State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) allocation of $1,815,941
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: City of Port St. Lucie
Business Impact Statement: N/A
Attachments: Final Draft City of Port St. Lucie Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) 2025-2028, including all of the necessary attachments and the State Certification and Draft Resolution.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 26208-12
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Russell Ward, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.