The City of Clearwater's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee convened on October 24, 2023, to address pressing issues surrounding affordable housing in the region. A significant focus of the meeting was the identification of third-party barriers impacting housing development, including rising interest rates, debt service challenges, and the need for enhanced partnerships with lenders and real estate professionals.

Committee members discussed the potential for rehabilitation grants aimed at improving housing quality and ensuring compliance with established standards. They also explored the implications of construction costs and supply chain issues, as well as the benefits of tax exemptions to alleviate financial burdens on developers.

While no changes were made to the existing recommendations regarding housing quality standards, the committee agreed to add a new initiative aimed at fostering partnerships with employers. This initiative is designed to incentivize housing development in collaboration with local businesses, addressing the critical need for affordable housing options.

Additionally, the committee emphasized the importance of engaging citizens in advocacy efforts for statewide legislative initiatives that could positively impact local housing conditions. Members expressed interest in how the city could facilitate this engagement, given budgetary constraints on advocacy spending.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for collaboration with the private sector to reduce costs associated with labor, materials, and insurance for both developers and homeowners. This approach aims to create a more sustainable and accessible housing market in Clearwater, reflecting the committee's commitment to addressing the community's housing challenges.