Commission adopts 2024 affordable housing incentives report, forwards amended LHAP to state

The West Palm Beach City Commission on March 17 adopted the 2024 Affordable Housing Incentives Report and approved amending the city's Local Housing Assistance Plan so the changes can be transmitted to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

The report, presented by Kimberly Spence, assistant director of housing and community development, summarizes the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee's review of state-required incentives and new local recommendations. "The item before you is the 2024 affordable housing incentive report," Spence told the commission before walking through the committee's findings.

Why it matters: the advisory committee's incentives are tied to eligibility for SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) funding and guide local steps to expand affordable and workforce housing. The committee recommended maintaining existing incentives such as expedited permitting and fee waivers, and adding a "one-stop" developer resource to streamline contacts and financial referrals.

Key points from the presentation and discussion: - The AHAC (Affordable Housing Advisory Committee) considered the 11 incentives the state requires jurisdictions to review; the local committee added a 12th that would create a consolidated developer resource and referral guide. Spence said the committee finalized and approved all recommendations in late 2024 and staff recommended adoption "as is." - The local housing assistance plan (LHAP) covers funding years 2024 through 2027 and will be amended to incorporate the AHAC recommendations before submission to the state. Spence noted the city typically receives SHIP funds each state fiscal year and showed a four-year average of roughly $1,100,000 in allocations. - Required and continuing incentives identified in the report include expedited permitting and an ongoing process to review local policies that might increase housing costs. The report also recommended continuing existing fee waivers or reductions (expedited permitting fees, engineering administration fees, water/wastewater capacity fees) and exploring permanent sources of funding for the city's housing trust fund. - Priority tasks for the coming year include developing the one-stop affordable workforce housing resource, exploring accessory dwelling unit (ADU) opportunities, and identifying permanent infrastructure and capacity funding.

Commission reaction was supportive. Commissioner Shalonda Warren praised staff and committee members for their work and urged colleagues to "take this into strong consideration." Commissioner Lambert called the one-stop shop idea "great" and asked staff to pursue community feedback and additional research on ADU siting and short-term rental restrictions. Spence said staff and Development Services will continue to track state legislation on ADUs and other housing changes.

The commission voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 35-25 accepting the report, amending the LHAP, and authorizing implementation of the recommendations. Staff said the amended LHAP and adopted incentives will be submitted to the state by the end of March and the AHAC will continue meeting through the year to monitor implementation.

The action adds the AHAC recommendations to the city's three-year housing plan and preserves SHIP funding eligibility while directing staff and the committee to pursue selected priorities and additional community engagement.