The Venice City Council convened on September 9, 2025, to address the pressing issue of affordable housing in Sarasota County. The meeting, led by Council Member Rachel Frank, featured a presentation from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, highlighting a collaborative housing action plan aimed at tackling the region's housing crisis.

Kirsten Russell, Vice President of Community Impact at the foundation, opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of affordable housing for the community's overall health and economic vitality. She noted that nearly 60,000 households in Sarasota County are currently cost-burdened, meaning they spend a significant portion of their income on housing. The rising costs of rent and homeownership, which have surged dramatically in recent years, were underscored as critical challenges facing families, particularly those with lower incomes.

The presentation outlined the findings of a comprehensive study conducted by the Florida Housing Coalition, which identified a shortage of 15,000 affordable housing units in the area. This gap is exacerbated by stagnant wages that have not kept pace with the increasing cost of living, making it difficult for many residents to secure stable housing.

Matt Sauer, another speaker, stressed the need for a multifaceted approach to address the housing crisis. He proposed several strategies, including the establishment of a housing trust fund funded by a portion of county property tax assessments tied to new growth. This fund would incentivize the development of affordable housing. Additionally, he suggested reforming zoning regulations to allow for higher density housing near job centers and utilizing public lands for affordable housing projects.

John Thaxton, Director of Policy and Advocacy for Gulf Coast Community Foundation, echoed the call for partnerships among public, private, and nonprofit sectors to effectively tackle the housing issue. He highlighted the importance of considering affordable housing in every policy decision made by the council, advocating for a comprehensive approach that integrates housing considerations into all aspects of city planning.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the urgency of addressing the affordable housing crisis, with council members acknowledging the need for immediate action and collaboration among all stakeholders. The council plans to continue discussions on the housing action plan and explore actionable items that can be implemented to alleviate the housing challenges faced by the community.