Title
ConnectFree Program Funds for an Affordable Rental Housing Project (B)
This item requests the City Commission to consider approving the use of ConnectFree Program funding to assist an Affordable Rental Housing Project.
Explanation
On July 21, 2016, the City Commission adopted Resolution #160146 (Resolution) reinstating the ConnectFree Program (Program), which generates revenue from surcharges collected on new water and wastewater connections in the unincorporated part of the GRU service area. The primary purpose of that revenue is to subsidize new extensions and connections throughout the GRU Service Area. Additionally, that resolution identifies several activities that the ConnectFree Program may fund, including, local government contribution to affordable housing development projects leveraged with federal/state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs.
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC) provides for-profit and nonprofit organizations with a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal tax liability in exchange for: 1) the acquisition and substantial rehabilitation; 2) substantial rehabilitation; or 3) new construction of low and very low-income rental housing units. Housing tax credits can be worth millions of dollars; and receiving this funding can assist cities/counties across the State of Florida to develop rental affordable housing in local communities. The use of tax credits subsidizes the cost of developing housing units, thereby producing decent, safe and affordable housing available to low-income households.
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) is essentially a department of the State of Florida, and administers the Program. The FHFC awards tax credits to affordable housing projects based on a competitive application system. Part of that system awards points to projects that meet certain criteria as established by the FHFC. Those criteria include affordability, sustainability and serving an identified housing...
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