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New Palatka Housing Authority CEO tells commission agency aims to expand housing and partnerships
Summary
Oche Bridgeford, speaking for the Palatka Housing Authority, introduced himself to the commission, emphasized the agency’s commitment to invest in people as well as housing stock and said the authority has existing capacity under its Faircloth limit to build additional units.
Oche Bridgeford introduced himself to the Palatka City Commission as the CEO of the Palatka Housing Authority and said the agency intends to expand housing options and partnerships with local government and nonprofit groups.
Bridgeford told commissioners the authority is “committed to investing in more than just bricks and sticks,” and said the agency recognizes it must strengthen relationships with local institutions. He identified a remaining Faircloth unit allocation the housing authority can use to build additional public housing and said the authority has already built 36 units following demolition of a high‑rise downtown; roughly 60 additional units remain under the agency’s Faircloth ceiling.
Bridgeford said the authority serves low‑income residents through the full spectrum from homelessness to mid‑income households, and that developing new units will require collaboration and new funding sources because some federal funding lines have been reduced nationally.
Commissioners asked about potential partnerships with the city and county for land and development; Bridgeford said the authority is open to partnering but must balance its ambitions with available resources. No formal action was taken; the presentation was introductory and for future discussion.
