Placement: Proclamations and Special presentations
Action Requested: Discussion
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Update on the Status of the Housing Needs Assessment Findings and Draft Recommendations
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Submitted By: Alessandra “Alex” Tasca, Neighborhood Services Deputy Director
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to be responsive to our community.
Executive Summary (General Business): The City of Port St. Lucie, in partnership with St. Lucie County and the City of Fort Pierce are conducting a housing needs assessment. St. Lucie County entered into an agreement with Thomas P. Miller and Associates (TPMA) to conduct a housing needs assessment and develop a set of recommendations to incentivize the creation of affordable and workforce housing units within St. Lucie County. The project has three components. 1. Housing Needs Assessment 2. Recommendation/Implementation Plan 3. Public Education and Outreach
Presentation Information: Alex Tasca of Neighborhood Services (NSD) will present Aaron Finley, Director of Housing and Community Development and Paul Cancilla, Consultant with TPMA will provide an overview of the process that was undertaken, share key findings, and highlight focus areas and prospective draft recommendations for discussion (approximately 20-30 minutes).
Staff Recommendation: Request that the Council hear the presentation and provide direction and feedback on the draft findings and recommendations in preparation for a final draft of the Assessment Report & Implementation Plan (scheduled for the beginning of 2024).
Background: NSD was assigned the task of soliciting and drafting a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan by the City Council as the result of the approval of the December 2021 AHAC Report. The City Council subsequently approved an agreement to work on that project as a tri-municipality effort in April 2022. In 2023, the project team completed current conditions research, market analysis, stakeholder outreach and workshops, business community outreach, and public surveys. The purpose of this presentation is to provide a project overview, summary of findings, and strategize next steps.
The plan will serve a multitude of purposes including providing the background documentation necessary to develop a plan for the use of the funds currently in the City’s Affordable Housing Annexation Fee Fund #128. With the creation of the City’s Special Affordable Housing Fund, funded via (Resolution 16-R24) and the adoption of affordable housing incentives in the City’s Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP), a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment is needed to further any future housing initiatives and affordable housing projects within the City as well as explore grant opportunities. The Assessment will also serve to provide background to update the City’s Comprehensive Plan - Housing Element. Lastly, this project will work towards accomplishing the goals set forth by the Florida State Statute Chapter 420 “Housing” and Chapter 420 Section 003 “State Housing Strategy” as well as other more recent legislation including HB 1339 and the Live Local Act.
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: The final recommendation report is scheduled to be completed and presented to City Council the beginning of 2024.
Location of Project: City of Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County
Attachments: TPMA Presentation
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: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
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