Placement: Resolutions
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Resolution 22-R54, A Resolution Appointing an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program
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Submitted By: Alessandra “Alex” Tasca, Deputy Director, Neighborhood Services Dept. (NSD)
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to be responsive to our community.
Executive Summary (General Business): The City must appoint qualified residents to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee yearly. The Committee must consist of (8) board members with various backgrounds and who qualify to represent at least (6) out of the (11) categories established by the State of Florida and (1) elected official. The Committee’s role is to review housing policies, procedures, ordinances and land development regulations and make specific recommendations to the City Council for incorporation into the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) through the adoption of an AHAC Report on a yearly basis. As allowed by the Committee by-laws and Resolution 21-R58 the Committee in 2021 unanimously voted to volunteer itself for a 2nd term to continue the work started in 2021 for one more term.
Presentation Information: A presentation will be provided by staff.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the attached resolution appointing the individuals listed to the City’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and provide staff direction.
2. Move that the Council not approve the recommendation and provide staff direction.
Background: The City receives funding from SHIP and as a condition of receiving these funds, the City is required by Chapter 420, Florida Statutes, to establish an AHAC. The City is required to adopt an LHAP and submit it to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for approval every (3) years. The LHAP sets the local housing strategies and requirements. The primary objective of the AHAC is to update this plan as required. The Committee must consist of (8) members who reside in the City and (1) elected official. The Committee shall include (1) representative from at least (6) of the following (11) categories.
(1) A citizen who is actively engaged in the residential home building industry in connection with affordable housing.
(2) A citizen who is actively engaged in the banking or mortgage industry in connection with affordable housing.
(3) A citizen who is a representative of those areas of labor actively engaged in home building in connection with affordable housing.
(4) A citizen who is actively engaged as an advocate for low-income persons in connection with affordable housing.
(5) A citizen who is actively engaged as a for-profit provider of affordable housing.
(6) A citizen who is actively engaged as a not-for-profit provider of affordable housing.
(7) A citizen who is actively engaged as a real estate professional in connection with affordable housing.
(8) A citizen who actively serves on the local planning agency pursuant to section 163.3174, Florida Statutes, notwithstanding any City ordinance or resolution to the contrary. Only one citizen who actively serves on the local planning agency may serve on the affordable housing advisory committee.
(9) A citizen who resides within the jurisdiction of the local governing body making the appointments.
(10) A citizen who represents the employers within the jurisdiction.
(11) A citizen who represents essential services personnel, as defined in the local housing assistance plan.
The Committee is required to have a minimum of (4) meetings to review (11) affordable housing incentives (mandated by State Legislation) and make recommendations to the City Council before December 31, 2022.
The AHAC report identifies incentive strategies and recommendations for implementation for the City to consider and/or adopt. The recommendations should seek to remove regulatory barriers that limit the development or preservation of affordable housing or drive up housing costs.
Upon receipt of the AHAC report, the City will have 90 days to amend its LHAP to incorporate the recommended incentive strategies that it plans to implement based on the recommendations of the AHAC Committee.
Issues/Analysis: The Neighborhood Services Department solicited volunteers from the community and received 20 applications from citizens interested in serving on the Committee. Pursuant to Section 3.05 of the City Charter and in accordance with the regulations of the State, this memorandum serves to reappoint the members from that selection last year for a 2nd term and (2) alternate members to fill (2) vacant positions. Appointments to the AHAC are subject to the City Council’s advice and consent. The (8) members being recommended for approval are listed in the Resolution attached and represent at least (6) of (11) categories as required by the State. Please note that some nominees could conceivably fit into more than one category, and all fall under the category of "citizen".
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: AHAC meetings are scheduled to resume May - October 2022.
Location of Project: City of Port St. Lucie, FL
Attachments: AHAC 2022 Draft Resolution 22-R
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: 8208
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Ella M. Gilbert, Senior Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.