During the Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) regular meeting on November 5, 2024, discussions centered on the allocation of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Ian. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the geographic distribution of funding, with a notable concentration of projects in Fort Myers, raising questions about equity and the needs of other affected areas.

Commissioners expressed discomfort with the current allocation, noting that while Fort Myers received the majority of funding, areas like Cape Coral and Pine Island, which suffered considerable damage during the hurricane, were underrepresented in the project selections. One commissioner pointed out that the majority of applications came from Fort Myers, leading to a skewed distribution that did not reflect the broader impact of the hurricane on the region. The discussion emphasized the need for a more balanced approach to ensure that all communities, especially those hardest hit, receive adequate support.

The meeting also featured public comments from various stakeholders advocating for specific projects. Daniel Acosta, representing Akruva Community Developers, urged the board to reconsider two of their applications for affordable housing in Cape Coral, emphasizing their readiness and the potential economic impact of the developments. Similarly, Andrew Cribbs from Honda Housing Group highlighted the efficiency of their proposed project, which could significantly increase the number of affordable units available in the area.

Concerns were raised about the criteria used for project selection, particularly regarding "shovel readiness" and the types of housing being prioritized. Some commissioners questioned whether the funding was effectively addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in communities that experienced the most devastation from Hurricane Ian. They argued that the focus should not only be on meeting low to moderate income thresholds but also on ensuring that the funds are directed to areas that require immediate recovery assistance.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further engage with the public and consider additional input before finalizing the allocations. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges in balancing the urgent need for affordable housing with the complexities of funding distribution, particularly in a region still recovering from a natural disaster. As the board moves forward, the emphasis will likely remain on ensuring that all communities are adequately represented and supported in the recovery process.