Placement: Resolutions / Public Hearing
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Resolution 25-R15, Public Hearing, Approval of Updated 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: Bolivar Gomez, 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 that local governments develop and maintain a Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) detailing how the City intends to use its State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds for 3-year periods. Staff has taken the necessary steps to update the plan and draft a resolution, which are attached for approval. The approved documents must be submitted to FHFC by May 2, 2025. This public hearing and the 2-week public comment period will begin upon approval and has been advertised in local newspapers.
Presentation Information: N/A. Staff is available to answer questions and document any public comments for submittal to the State.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the Resolution approving the draft LHAP and authorize staff to submit the LHAP to the State’s FHFC with any public comments received.
Alternate Recommendation:
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 plan per Section 420.9075, Florida Statutes, State guidelines, and current policies and procedures. The updated plan will cover funding years 2025-2028. The updated plan is applicable to the use of State SHIP funds and will assist eligible citizens of Port St. Lucie with the following housing strategies, as needed: A. Home Purchase Assistance, B. Comprehensive Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation, C. Limited Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation, D. Accessibility/Retrofit (Special Needs), E. Water/Sewer Connection, F. Water/Sewer Assessment, G. Disaster Recovery and H. Culvert Assistance.
Issues/Analysis: The LHAP was updated based on input from the City's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) which is a group of housing professionals and tasked with discussing housing issues in the community. The LHAP was also updated based on approved program updates that have been implemented since the last LHAP was approved 3 years ago. These include increases in maximum funding allowances for: A. Home Purchase Assistance, C. Limited Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation based on price increases in inspection reports and bid documentation, E. Water and Sewer Connection based on recent adopted increases, and adding a new Strategy H. Culvert Assistance as the result of the development of a new grant program, currently being finalized.
Financial Information: The 2025-26 projected SHIP distribution estimate for the City of Port St. Lucie is $1,949,354 based on the Governor’s recommended budget. Final distribution amount is subject to change based on the Florida Legislature.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: City of Port St. Lucie, FL
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: 25083-11
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Russell Ward, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.