Title
Discuss Potential Changes to the Current Incentives and Recommendations Report (B)
Explanation
Section 402.9072 of the Florida Statutes provides that qualifying local governments (Cities and Counties) can participate in the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program and receive SHIP Program funds for affordable housing activities. Those activities include Down Payment Assistance, Homeowner Repair, Home Replacement, Mortgage Foreclosure Intervention, Home Buyer Training, Home Ownership Training, and others. Over the last five complete fiscal years (FY2016/17 to FY2020/21), the City has received approximately $3,000,000 in SHIP Funds.
To be eligible for SHIP Program Funds, the State requires local governments to take several steps, including appointing an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). The attached Section 420.9076(4) of the Florida Statutes requires the AHAC to produce an annual Incentives and Recommendations Report (IRR) which reviews all local government plans, policies, procedures, rules and regulations which impact affordable housing. The statute specifically requires the AHAC to review 11 listed types of incentives and regulations, plus any other affordable housing incentives identified by the committee.
Prior to 2020, the AHACs were required to produce an IRR every three years. In 2020, the Legislature changed the Stature to require the AHACs to produce an IRR every year. The City’s current IRR was adopted by the AHAC approximately six months ago, on October 12, 2021. A copy of that document is included in the backup.
The AHAC has developed a consensus regarding recommendations for most of the incentives and regulations that are required to be considered. As such, future discussions will focus on strategies where the AHAC may consider revising its recommendation. Those strategies are Expedited Reviews, Flexible Density, and Other Incentives/Initiatives (i.e., ones not mentioned in the Legislation).
The potential changes t...
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