SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Appoint 10 members to the 2025 Affordable Housing Advisory Committee to include the appointment of a locally elected official and adopt Resolution 25-12.
Body
SUMMARY:
Florida Statute Section 420.9076 states that counties and cities receiving State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program funds are required to establish annually an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) and prepare a Local Housing Incentive Strategy (LHIS). The statute further provides that the committee be made up of eight to eleven members appointed by the City Council. The committee must consist of one locally elected official and one representative from at least six specific categories. The required categories and recommended individuals are listed below:
• Banking industry/mortgage: Robyn Fiel
• Area of labor engaged in home building: Frank Cornier
• Advocate for low-income person: Christine Bond
• Not-for-profit provider of affordable housing: Charessa Doty
• Representative of employers: Kelly A Batsford
• Clearwater resident: Linda Byers
• Member of the local planning agency: Michelle Chenault
• Essential Services representative: Cheri DeBlaere
• Locally elected official: Mike Mannino
• Area of residential home build with a connection to affordable housing: Rick Vail
The duties of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee shall include reviewing policies and procedures, ordinances, land development regulations and the City’s adopted comprehensive plan and shall recommend specific actions or initiatives to encourage or facilitate affordable housing while protecting the ability of the property to appreciate in value.
The LHIS must be submitted to City Council by December 31, 2025, and will encompass the definition, vision, strategic focus areas, and action plan (including potential amendments to procedures and existing regulations) in order to facilitate the development of affordable housing in the City.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Objective 2.4 - Supports equitable housing programs that promote household stability and reduces the incidence of homelessness within Clearwater.
