The City of Clearwater is taking significant steps to enhance affordable housing opportunities, as discussed in the recent Affordable Housing Advisory Committee meeting on October 3, 2023. A key highlight from the meeting was the ongoing effort to publish a public land inventory owned by the city, aimed at attracting developers and nonprofit agencies to create affordable housing solutions.

Committee members emphasized the importance of making publicly owned land available for development. This initiative is designed to encourage mixed-use developments, which combine residential and commercial spaces, thereby fostering community growth and accessibility. The city is actively working to ensure that this information is readily available on its website, linking to resources from Pinellas County to streamline the process for interested parties.

Additionally, the committee discussed the coordination between the economic development and housing department and the planning and development department. This collaboration aims to identify properties with repeated code violations that could be rehabilitated or demolished for affordable housing projects. The city has seen success in acquiring properties through a foreclosure program, which allows them to remove non-compliant properties from tax rolls and repurpose them for housing.

The committee's discussions reflect a proactive approach to addressing the affordable housing crisis in Clearwater, with a focus on utilizing existing resources and properties to meet community needs. As these initiatives progress, Clearwater aims to create a more inclusive environment for its residents, ensuring that affordable housing remains a priority in urban development plans.