Commission Acts to Ensure Affordable Housing Options Remain Plentiful

March 21, 2018

Affordable housing continues to be one of the City Commission’s top priorities, and today, the Commission took action to strengthen community efforts that help ensure Tallahasseeans at every income level can find a place to call home.

Following a thorough presentation at this afternoon’s workshop, the Commission voted during its regular meeting in favor of modifying the City’s finance policy to redirect future one-time revenues and general fund year-end surplus, as available, to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. These funds will help supplement decreasing state and federal grant funds.

In October of 2017 the City Commission approved 13 recommendations from the Affordable Housing Workgroup. At today’s workshop, staff provided status updates on these recommendations. One of these recommendations involves the implementation of a local Community Land Trust (CLT) which, if enacted would support affordable housing by offering long-term leases on land for the construction of affordable housing. The City Commission voted to continue to explore this concept. A workshop will be conducted on April 13 in coordination with the Florida Housing Coalition. Recommendations regarding potential implementation of a CLT will be brought back to the Commission at a future meeting.

“Establishing a Community Land Trust will help preserve our neighborhoods’ rich history and revitalize blighted, vacant properties with desirable affordable housing,” Mayor Andrew Gillum said.

The City’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO) was revised and approved in 2008, and the first project subject to the revision is underway. Under the revised IHO, the Canopy Development will add 62 inclusionary units.

Another major project underway that will enhance affordable housing options is the redevelopment of the Orange Avenue Public Housing Complex. The Tallahassee Housing Authority hired Columbia Residential Inc. to develop and implement a master plan for the complex’s redevelopment. Through an extensive resident and stakeholder engagement process, Columbia Residential has developed a master plan, which includes ample green space and improved access to area amenities. Proposed plans call for construction of 390 mixed income units on the existing site, an increase of 190 units over the current development.

Complementing this project is the involvement of Purpose Built Communities. PBC is a non-profit organization that assists selected communities in the redevelopment of distressed neighborhoods through a holistic approach that mixes housing, wellness and educational opportunities. PBC is currently conducting organizational meetings in Tallahassee to establish a community quarterback non-profit that can braid together various community resources and ensure residents in the selected neighborhood are engaged, included and served.

For more information about the City’s affordable housing programs, visit Talgov.com. Through the site, you can also sign up to receive City news via email, including Commission agendas.

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