The Clearwater Neighborhood & Affordable Housing Advisory Board convened on November 14, 2023, to discuss critical issues surrounding affordable housing in the city. The meeting featured a range of discussions, particularly focusing on the implications of income caps for housing assistance programs and the current state of the housing market.

One of the primary topics was the potential impact of capping income eligibility for housing assistance at 120% of the median income. Board members expressed concerns about how this cap might limit access to affordable housing for families, particularly those earning just above the threshold. A board member emphasized the need for a visual representation of the proposed tiered approach to better understand its implications before making any decisions.

Sean King from Habitat for Humanity contributed significantly to the discussion, highlighting that their organization serves families earning 80% of the median income or less. He pointed out that capping assistance at 120% could exclude many families who are in need of support, particularly young professionals such as teachers. King urged the board to allow the market to dictate housing prices rather than imposing arbitrary limits, citing the rapid changes in the housing market and interest rates.

He also referenced the availability of homes in Clearwater, noting that there are currently 115 homes listed under $450,000, with 51 priced under $350,000. King argued that without flexible assistance options, such as stackable down payment assistance, many families would be denied opportunities for homeownership.

The meeting concluded with a call for further exploration of the housing market dynamics and the need for adaptive strategies to ensure that affordable housing remains accessible to those who need it most. The board plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, emphasizing the importance of responsive policies in a rapidly changing economic landscape.