The City of Clearwater's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee is taking significant steps to enhance housing options by considering the inclusion of energy-efficient features and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in its scoring matrix for housing developments. During the meeting on October 24, 2023, committee members discussed the importance of integrating these elements to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly housing solutions.

A key focus was on how to incentivize the development of ADUs, which could provide additional housing options in the city. One member emphasized the urgent need for more housing, stating, "We need to do that," highlighting the pressing housing shortage in Clearwater. The committee is exploring how to effectively incorporate ADUs into the scoring criteria, ensuring that the policy supports broader housing goals while remaining flexible enough to adapt to various lot eligibility scenarios.

The discussion also touched on the importance of aligning these housing initiatives with emerging technologies and energy-efficient practices. The committee aims to partner with Blueprint 2 to enhance the scoring matrix, making it more comprehensive and supportive of environmental development.

As the committee moves forward, they plan to refine the language of the scoring matrix to better reflect these priorities. The next meeting will likely address the outcomes of these discussions and how they will be incorporated into future recommendations. The ongoing commitment to improving housing accessibility and sustainability in Clearwater remains a top priority for the committee.