The City of Clearwater Affordable Housing Advisory Committee convened on October 24, 2023, to discuss ongoing initiatives and future strategies related to affordable housing in the area. The meeting focused on the implementation of the city's comprehensive plan and the potential impact of the Live Local Act on housing development.

The committee began by reviewing the current policies within the city's comprehensive plan, noting that changes may arise as discussions progress on a new comprehensive plan. Members acknowledged that the existing policies are subject to modification based on future outcomes.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Live Local Act, which encourages the reuse of existing structures for affordable housing. The committee highlighted recent examples, such as the adaptive reuse of an assisted living facility and the North Florida Elementary School, which is currently undergoing stabilization efforts while seeking a development partner.

The discussion also touched on the potential for converting surplus buildings, including churches and schools, into affordable housing. Members expressed interest in proactively engaging with religious institutions to explore redevelopment opportunities before involving developers. Suggestions were made to include hotels and office buildings in the adaptive reuse conversation, emphasizing the need for creative solutions to address housing shortages.

The committee reviewed recommendation 12.1, which focuses on allowing adaptive reuse of various building types, and discussed potential modifications to enhance the plan's effectiveness. They noted that the current land development code did not present any significant issues, and reaffirmed the importance of incentivizing developers to adhere to design standards for affordable housing.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to exploring innovative approaches to affordable housing through adaptive reuse and proactive engagement with property owners. The next steps will involve refining recommendations and continuing discussions on the comprehensive plan's evolution.