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Highlands County adopts three‑year SHIP housing plan with new construction and rehabilitation strategies
Summary
The Board unanimously adopted the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) and Resolution 25‑26‑009, expanding SHIP strategies to include construction/redevelopment for homeownership and demolition/reconstruction replacement with defined loan terms and forgiveness schedules for low‑ and very‑low income households.
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners voted Nov. 4 to adopt the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) for fiscal cycles 2025–2028 and Resolution 25‑26‑009, moving the county forward on multiple strategies to expand affordable homeownership and preserve existing housing stock.
Ingrid Gardner, Director of Community Programs, and Kim Wean, Housing Program Manager, briefed the board on program mechanics and eligibility. SHIP funds derive from documentary stamp revenues and are distributed to local governments; the LHAP sets priorities, targeted income categories and award amounts. Staff presented examples: a very‑low income buyer could qualify for up to $40,000 in down‑payment assistance on a $200,000 home but may elect a lower award; major owner‑occupied rehabilitation could be funded up to $100,000 with forgiveness over 10 years; demolition and replacement assistance could reach up to $150,000 under a 20‑year term with stepwise forgiveness beginning after year 10.
Nonprofit partners testified in support. Reverend Ron Degenaro and Chip Boring of Habitat for Humanity described long‑term local builds and sweat‑equity programs; Dean Wallace (Hikariya Pines Homes) and Lucy Castillo (Florida Nonprofit Housing) also testified about experience placing homes for income‑targeted families.
Commissioners clarified program safeguards: loan terms are structured to limit quick resale or profit‑driven flipping (forgiveness accrues later in the loan term) and many nonprofit developers use soft seconds or holding periods to keep homes owner‑occupied for a required number of years. Commissioner Roberts asked for follow‑up reporting and recommended outreach to ensure eligible households learn about the program. Commissioner (S3) moved to adopt Resolution 25‑26‑009; the motion passed unanimously.
The adopted LHAP also includes new strategies for partnering with nonprofit developers, a subsidy cap to developers (example: up to $100,000), and clarified compliance and audit requirements for award recipients.
