The Titusville City Council voted unanimously to adopt the 2026 housing incentive plan required by the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) program after staff presented recommendations from the Affordable Housing Incentive Committee (AHOC).

Staff told council the city received $352,000 in SHIP funds this year, which triggers the statutory requirement to adopt a housing incentive plan and submit it to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Mandatory AHOC recommendations included expedited permitting (a 25% reduction in review time) and retaining ongoing review processes; additional incentives the AHOC endorsed included reservation of infrastructure capacity for developments that set aside affordable units, greater outreach about accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and a printed inventory of public land suitable for affordable housing. The AHOC also recommended reconsidering inclusionary zoning as a planning tool, noting that a local affordable-housing study is required to justify linkage fees.

Council members pressed staff about a denied grant that would have funded an affordable-housing study (the packet noted a $75,000 grant request that was denied). Staff and the city manager said the council can still commission a study using local funds, potentially through midyear budget adjustments or by incorporating the study into the consolidated-plan process; in the interim staff will rely on HUD countywide data for analysis if council does not fund a local study immediately.

Member Nelson moved to adopt the SHIP housing incentive plan and associated resolution referenced in the meeting packet; the motion was seconded and carried with all members voting "Yes." The clerk recorded votes in favor from Member Muscoso, Member Nelson, Mayor Connors, Vice Mayor Cole and Member Stoeckle.

Ending: Staff will incorporate the approved incentives into the city’s Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) and submit it as required; council directed staff to return with options and cost estimates for a local affordable-housing study.