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Oakland Park adopts Broward Next recertification amendments on first reading; housing AMI language clarified
Summary
The City Commission held a public hearing and adopted, on first reading, amendments to the Comprehensive Plan 2045 to conform with Broward Next. Staff and commissioners discussed housing affordability language and why a 60% AMI target was removed in favor of a broader 80%‑or‑below formulation required by review agencies.
The City Commission on March 5 held a public hearing and adopted on first reading an ordinance to amend the city’s Comprehensive Plan 2045 so it aligns with the Broward Next countywide plan. The amendments were presented as non‑substantive recertification language changes and housekeeping that fold and cross‑reference policies requested by the Broward County Planning Council.
What the ordinance does Planning staff, represented by Sierra Marrero, said the changes do not change the plan’s overall intent but reorganize policies and add a local activity center land‑use category and minor modifications to stormwater, open space, school planning and environmental preservation policies. Marrero said the Planning & Zoning Board recommended the change 5‑0 and the Local Planning Agency also recommended approval.
Housing language and AMI discussion Commissioners focused on a change to the housing element. A late resolution advanced by the prior mayor had recommended a 60% area median income (AMI) focus; however, county and state reviewers returned the draft striking the explicit 60% language. City staff and the city manager explained the reviewers noted the city’s language already referenced targeting incomes at or below 80% AMI and requested removing the prescriptive 60% figure to preserve flexibility. The city manager told the commission the change was required for certification and that the city retains the ability to pursue programs targeted below 80% AMI through policy and program choices.
Vote The commission voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance on first reading. Roll call was recorded as: Commissioner Gordon — yes; Commissioner Newbold — yes; Commissioner Budhoo — yes; Vice Mayor Arndt — yes; Mayor Tim Lonergan — yes.
Why it matters Recertification with Broward Next allows the city to remain eligible for certain state and county review processes and aligns local policies with countywide planning priorities. The housing element discussion drew attention because commissioners and residents have emphasized affordability goals and wanted clarity about the city’s ability to pursue units affordable to lower AMIs.
Ending Staff said they would return with final technical revisions as required by county/state reviewers for second reading and adoption. Commissioners asked staff to continue pursuing affordability tools and to identify specific vacant lots and incentives that could yield housing affordable to households well below the 80% AMI threshold discussed at the hearing.
