The City of Clearwater's Neighborhood & Affordable Housing Advisory Board convened on May 14, 2024, to discuss significant developments in affordable housing and funding allocations for community programs. The meeting began with an update on a new affordable housing project, with a representative expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration with city staff and the recent eligibility confirmation under the Live Local Act. This development aims to enhance affordable housing options in Clearwater, and the team is set to begin applying for funding soon.

Following this update, the board moved on to Item 4.1, which involved the approval of staff-recommended funding allocations for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the 2024-2025 program year. Chuck Lane, the assistant director of the economic development and housing department, presented the funding allocations, emphasizing the structured process that the city follows annually. He noted that the board had previously heard presentations from various applicants, and the funding recommendations were based on a scoring system established by a technical review committee.

Lane outlined the focus on public facilities improvements and public services as part of the funding strategy. The board's approval of these allocations is a critical step in the annual action planning process, which spans from January to August each year.

The meeting concluded without further public comments, and the board is expected to continue its work on these initiatives in the coming months. The discussions highlighted Clearwater's commitment to enhancing affordable housing and community services through structured funding and collaboration with local stakeholders.