In the heart of Clearwater, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee convened on October 3, 2023, to tackle pressing issues surrounding affordable housing in the city. As the meeting unfolded under the bright lights of city hall, members engaged in a spirited discussion, building on the groundwork laid in their previous gathering.

Kevin Schnelt, the committee chair, opened the session by acknowledging the technical difficulties faced in finalizing the minutes from their first meeting. He emphasized the importance of their ongoing discussions, which aim to refine the city’s approach to affordable housing. The committee is currently reviewing recommendations from a prior report and gearing up for a public hearing scheduled for November.

Amanda Warner from Wade Trim led the meeting, guiding members through a review of the committee's values and principles regarding affordable housing. A significant revision was proposed: changing the phrasing of a core value to reflect a more aspirational goal for housing that fits the city’s workforce. Additionally, a new value was introduced, emphasizing that everyone deserves a safe home. The committee unanimously agreed to these changes, signaling a collective commitment to enhancing the housing landscape in Clearwater.

As discussions progressed, members examined the existing principles of affordable housing, which remained unchanged, and debated the language used in their recommendations. One member raised concerns about the term "non-affordable housing," suggesting a shift towards a more inclusive definition that recognizes all housing as affordable to someone, depending on income levels. This prompted a consensus to revise the language to promote the incorporation of affordable housing in all developments.

The committee also revisited the vision statement for affordable housing, agreeing to include the term "accessible" to ensure that the city’s housing initiatives are inclusive and supportive of diverse community needs.

The meeting then shifted focus to the local housing incentive strategy, where members discussed barriers to affordable housing, including rising construction costs and competition from short-term rentals. They reviewed recommendations from a previous report, considering whether to continue, modify, or remove them. The committee's proactive approach aims to identify new incentives that could further support affordable housing initiatives.

As the meeting concluded, the committee set its sights on the upcoming public hearing and the final report to be presented to the city council in December. With a clear agenda and a collaborative spirit, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee is poised to make significant strides in addressing Clearwater's housing challenges, ensuring that the city remains a welcoming place for all its residents.