The City of Clearwater Neighborhood & Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB) convened on November 14, 2023, to discuss key issues surrounding affordable housing and neighborhood development. The meeting highlighted significant changes in funding processes and staffing needs within the housing department.

The session began with a discussion on the need for an increase in funding for housing programs, particularly for homes designated for individuals at 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and below. The board acknowledged the limitations of the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program, which serves a higher income bracket, and agreed that further discussions would be necessary to determine the best course of action.

Director Lane provided an update on upcoming meetings, emphasizing the importance of achieving a quorum for the December meeting. This meeting will be crucial for approving the year-end report due to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by December 31. Lane urged board members to inform him of any scheduling conflicts as soon as possible to avoid rescheduling.

Additionally, Lane announced plans to review the performance of public service projects funded by the city. This review will include discussions on how nonprofit organizations have utilized funding and any challenges faced during construction projects. The board will also consider changes to the grant application process, which will limit the number of public service and facility projects eligible for funding. This shift aims to increase the funding levels for selected projects, making the application process more competitive.

A notable change discussed was the transition from a reimbursement-based funding model to providing funds in advance for public facilities projects. This adjustment is intended to alleviate cash flow issues faced by nonprofits, allowing them to pay contractors directly without waiting for reimbursement.

The meeting concluded with board members expressing gratitude for the staff's efforts and discussing the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels within the housing department. The city is currently recruiting for a housing specialist position, and discussions about potential future staffing needs were encouraged.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to enhancing affordable housing initiatives and improving operational efficiency within the city's housing programs. The next meeting in December is anticipated to be pivotal in shaping the future of Clearwater's affordable housing strategy.