The City of Clearwater Affordable Housing Advisory Committee convened on October 24, 2023, to discuss ongoing initiatives and strategies aimed at enhancing affordable housing in the community. The meeting focused on several key agenda items, including recommendations for incentivizing affordable housing, communication strategies, and financing options.

The committee began by reviewing a recommendation to continue incentivizing affordable housing without any changes. A suggestion was made to include electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure as part of the affordable housing criteria, which was accepted.

Next, the discussion shifted to communication and marketing strategies related to affordable housing. The committee revisited previous discussions about a quarterly newsletter and a landlord liaison program aimed at improving relationships between housing providers and tenants. A proposal was made for city staff to collaborate with the Neighborhood Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB) to benchmark practices from other communities.

A significant point raised during the meeting was the need to involve large employers in the affordable housing conversation. Committee members highlighted the challenges faced by local businesses, such as BayCare, in attracting employees due to housing shortages. Suggestions included creating partnerships with employers to develop housing solutions, potentially utilizing underutilized properties owned by these corporations.

The committee also discussed financial barriers to rental housing, emphasizing the need for increased rental assistance and financial support for obtaining affordable housing. A proposed amendment to the financing recommendations included diversifying funding strategies to support both the construction and maintenance of affordable housing, as well as providing financial assistance for individuals seeking to secure housing.

Additionally, the committee addressed the importance of adequate staffing within the city’s economic development housing department to effectively implement these recommendations. A new recommendation was added to ensure that staffing levels are sufficient to meet the goals outlined in the local housing incentive strategy.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to enhancing affordable housing through collaboration with employers, improved communication strategies, and diversified financing options. The next steps will involve further discussions on partnerships and the implementation of the proposed recommendations.