Commission adopts three-year SHIP LHAP to keep state housing funding eligible

The City Commission voted to adopt the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) required to secure State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funding for the next three fiscal years. Housing & Community Development Manager Panetta Lewis said approval is required for the city to remain eligible for state SHIP allocations, which primarily support homeownership and construction-related activities.

Lewis said SHIP program rules require set-asides: at least 65% of funds for homeownership activities, at least 75% supporting construction-related activities, and 30% reserved for very-low-income households. The LHAP that staff presented includes several programmatic updates: higher per-unit caps for owner-occupied rehabilitation (from $80,000 to $90,000), roof replacement (from $25,000 to $30,000), and house replacement (up to $225,000); a re-introduced rental-assistance program covering up to three months of rent at $5,000 per household; and addition of a complete restoration product for certain masonry units.

Director Corey Harris said staff will submit the LHAP to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation by the state deadline and will continue public reporting. Commissioner Eastman praised staff engagement and public outreach. Commissioner Willits moved to adopt the plan; the motion passed unanimously with Commissioner Walker absent.

Staff said SHIP funding levels vary with documentary-stamp tax receipts and that the city will continue to report annually on expenditures and outcomes as required by state law. The presentation referenced the 1992 William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act as the statutory basis for the program.

The commission asked staff to return with exhibit-level allocations and a chart showing proposed rental versus homeownership breakdowns (already prepared in backup materials). The plan will guide how staff awards grants and assistance to eligible residents in the coming three-year cycle.