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Fort Myers proposes $1 million affordable‑housing levy, rental assistance and homelessness strategies in 2026 priorities
Summary
City staff proposed increasing the affordable housing trust contribution to $1,000,000, continuing rental assistance and an infill home construction program, and said staff will work with human services stakeholders to implement House Bill 1365 compliance and explore temporary shelter options.
City staff outlined a package of affordable‑housing and homelessness initiatives as part of the Fort Myers FY2026 priorities, including an increase in the affordable‑housing levy, continued rental assistance and an infill home construction program.
Why it matters: staff told council the city’s affordable housing work includes multiple components — a levy to fund the affordable housing trust fund, a rental assistance program and an in‑fill home construction program — and that the city must also coordinate with human services partners to address impacts from unsheltered homelessness and comply with recent state law (House Bill 1365).
Measures described: staff said the recommended budget increases the city’s affordable housing levy from $750,000 to $1,000,000 for the upcoming fiscal year. Staff recommended continuing the city’s rental assistance program, which staff described as popular, and continuing contracts for construction of modest single‑family homes on infill lots through the city’s home construction program (staff said two houses were under construction and another was on the agenda). Council members and staff discussed coordination with the Housing Authority and whether households served by the city’s program would overlap with other rental programs.
Homelessness and compliance with state law: staff said the police department has been enforcing House Bill 1365 and that the city is working with local human services stakeholders on strategies to reduce negative impacts of unsheltered people on residents and businesses. The city manager also told council the staff will evaluate short‑term temporary housing options (the presentation listed pallet shelter research) but noted few municipalities have used pallet shelters and the city had reservations about their appropriateness.
Funding and constraints: staff said implementation depends on available CIP and operating resources; one councilmember noted the city’s CIP commitments may limit how much staff resources can be added to new programs. Staff said council direction would determine the level of emphasis and funding for school‑district partnerships and other education‑related priorities tied to workforce and youth services.
Taper: staff asked for guidance from council on priorities within an already busy CIP and operating outlook. Council discussion emphasized continued support for school‑district partnerships but acknowledged budget and staffing constraints.
