FORT LAUDERDALE — The Broward County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Aug. 21 to authorize action related to the Housing Finance Authority for Broward County after public testimony urging deeper, long‑term funding for affordable housing.

Reverend Aaron Lauer of United Church of Christ — speaking for himself and an interfaith coalition, Bold Justice — told commissioners the county faces an "affordable housing crisis," saying "over 150,000 households cannot find an affordable housing unit, and there are over 6,000 students in the Broward County School District that are homeless." He urged the board to take "a bold step in securing long term commitments to funding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund."

The board also received mention of a new project in Pembroke Park, the Ecos Pembroke Park development, described during public comment as a 150‑unit affordable multifamily project that supporters say is a step toward addressing local need.

Why it matters: County officials and advocates repeatedly told the commission that supply constraints are pushing families out of Broward County and that public investment in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is necessary to scale production of affordable units.

Board action

After public comment, Commissioner Mark Bogan moved approval; the motion was seconded by Senator Rich (title as used on the dais). The motion carried unanimously.

Officials and next steps

Commissioners thanked speakers and noted ongoing work with county staff and developers on affordable housing projects. Commissioners encouraged continued meetings with community groups and pledged to keep working on trust‑fund financing and project delivery.

Ending

Advocates said they will continue meetings with commissioners to seek long‑term, sustained funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund; the vote taken at the meeting constitutes administrative authorization to proceed with the housing finance item as reflected in the agenda.