Broward Housing Council Meeting – December 6, 2024

The Broward Housing Council met on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. to review and approve minutes, adopt the 2025 work program and meeting dates, receive updates on state condo programs and legislative session, hear a presentation from the City of West Park on a successful infill affordable housing pilot program, discuss a proposed ordinance to implement charter changes, and hear public comment on accessible housing.

Meeting Minutes Approval

• August 23, 2024 minutes: Moved and seconded; approved without discussion.
• October 30, 2024 minutes: Moved and seconded; approved without discussion.
• November 15, 2024 minutes: Moved and seconded; one member abstained (not present at that meeting). Approved.

Chair’s Report

• Commissioner Rogers was absent but provided a written report on the State of Housing in Black America (SHIBA) for council reference.
• The Chair reported on a six-hour condo summit (December 3, 2024, in Davie) hosted by Senator Pizzo and Senator Bradley, covering recent condominium legislation impacts on affordability, insurance, reserve funds, and stakeholder perspectives from boards, HOAs, property managers, and realtors. A recording link will be distributed.

Approvals: 2025 Meeting Dates and Work Program

• Meeting Dates (all Fridays, 10:00 a.m.): February 28, April 25, June 27, August 22, October 24, and December 12, 2025. An additional fall workshop date will be set later. Motion to approve passed unanimously.
• 2025 Work Program (as proposed): Focus areas include facilitating coordination with the County and Board of County Commissioners, increasing affordable housing stock, enhancing housing stability, advocating for legislative change, streamlining processes, addressing homelessness, and supporting countywide financing. Motion to approve passed unanimously.

Director’s Report (Joe) – MySafe Florida Condo Pilot & Legislative Session

• The MySafe Florida Condo Pilot Program opened November 24, 2024, with $30 million in matching grants for hurricane mitigation in condominiums. It was oversubscribed and closed almost immediately. A summary report is due to the legislature by February 1, 2025, which may lead to additional funding.
• The 2025 Florida legislative session runs March 4 – May 2, with interim committee meetings already underway. The council will track affordable housing-related legislation.

Presentation: City of West Park – Infill Lot Affordable Housing Pilot Program

• Presenters: Ajebola Balogun (City Manager, West Park), Steven (Economic Development Director), Kim Cox (President, Kinetic Lifestyle Homes), Michael Redd (Alco Construction), and Jalen Luna (Marketing Director).
• Background: In 2017, Broward County adopted the Broward Municipal Service District Infill Lot Program. West Park accepted five donated lots to build affordable single-family homes using CDBG funds (80% AMI or below).
• Selection Process: Two local developers were chosen: Kinetic Lifestyle Homes (West Park-based) and Housing Foundation of America. Requirements included PVC fencing, impact windows, 24x24 floor tiles, and 16 SEER AC systems.
• Construction: Kinetic Lifestyle Homes completed two homes in five months (permitted February 27, 2024; ribbon cutting November 11, 2024). Housing Foundation of America is constructing three homes, about 85-90% complete, with certificates of occupancy expected in 30-60 days.
• Upgrades (Kinetic Homes): Added a fourth bedroom, extra half-bath, 232 sq ft of living space, washer/dryer, window treatments, recessed lighting, double sinks, tankless water heater, irrigation, soaker tub, Moen/Delta faucets, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, garbage disposal, decorative backsplash, range hood, microwave, 5-inch baseboards, decorative lighting. Homes include a homeowner education pamphlet with QR codes and maintenance reminders.
• Financing: City National Bank provided a “City Smart” reduced-rate mortgage with additional down payment assistance beyond Broward County’s $80,000 grant.
• Council Comments: Members praised the speed (five months), use of local builders, and quality of the homes. One member noted the metal stud framing and flood/termite resilience. The project was described as an exemplary partnership between the city, county, and developers.

Proposed County Ordinance to Implement Charter Changes

• Presenter: Karina Rodriguez (County Attorney’s Office) and Joe.
• Background: A charter amendment (approved by voters on November 5, 2024) allows membership categories of the Housing Council to be set by ordinance rather than charter, enabling easier updates. The amendment updates categories to reflect current organizations and fillable seats.
• Next Steps: On December 10, 2024, the Broward County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to publish a public hearing notice. The public hearing for ordinance enactment is scheduled for January 28, 2025. Council members may attend the January 28 meeting to speak in support; the December meeting is only a date-setting step. Amendments to the ordinance language can be made at the January hearing.
• No vote taken at this meeting.

Public Comment

• Lucia Candiati (Broward County resident) requested that the council prioritize accessible housing for individuals with disabilities, citing her daughter’s disability and a project with Partners in Policy Making. She expressed hope that the work program would include accessibility considerations.

Good of the Order

• Ralph Stone reported on an upcoming Board of County Commissioners agenda item to approve a 467-unit affordable housing complex in Pompano Beach (31st Street, east of the Turnpike). The project includes over 360 units at 80% AMI or below, over 100 workforce units (120% AMI or below), about 25 market-rate units, and 4,000 sq ft of commercial space. The County contributed the land (valued at $7.5 million) as gap financing, with a lease-back value reducing net investment to approximately $5 billion? (Note: transcript says “five billion dollars” – likely a misstatement; probably $5 million or similar. The speaker stated “almost five billion dollars, so our investment of seven and a half million dollars has been reduced by that amount of money” – this appears to be an error; the intended figure may be $5 million. The summary preserves the transcript wording but notes the discrepancy.) The per-unit subsidy is under $30,000 (compared to an average of $47,000 per unit over 3,000 previous units). Developer is Related Group (Miami), selected from six top proposals.

Key Outcomes

• Approved August 23, October 30, and November 15, 2024 meeting minutes.
• Unanimously approved the 2025 Broward Housing Council work program.
• Unanimously approved 2025 meeting dates (all at 10:00 a.m.) as listed.
• Acknowledged the West Park infill pilot presentation; no formal action required.
• Noted the upcoming process for the charter implementation ordinance; council members may attend the January 28, 2025 public hearing.
• Public comment received but no action taken.
• Adjourned.

Next Meeting: Friday, February 28, 2025, 10:00 a.m., same location.