Broward Housing Council Regular Meeting – August 22, 2025

The Broward Housing Council (BHC) held its regular meeting on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:05 AM in Room 430 of the Broward County Government Center East, Fort Lauderdale. Chair Christopher Krzemien presided, and a quorum was present. Key agenda items included a presentation on amendments to the BrowardNEXT Administrative Rules (Articles 3 and 5) regarding affordable housing set-asides and in-lieu fees, approval of June 27, 2025 meeting minutes, a change to the October meeting date due to the annual fall workshop, and detailed planning for the October 23 workshop. Public comments highlighted challenges with the My Safe Florida Condo program and a new supportive housing initiative for seniors and veterans.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dwight Hinkson (President, Las Vistas and Invery Condominium Association – a 55+ community) described repeated difficulties applying for the My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Program. He noted that $3 million was initially allocated in November 2024 but funds were exhausted within days. A new application window opened on August 18, 2025, yet funding was again depleted within about two hours. He recommended applicants prepare all documents and upload them before beginning the application to avoid interruptions. Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers and others discussed the need for greater advocacy for condo rehabilitation and tracking state legislators’ voting records on housing issues.
• M. Denise Simmons (Franchise owner, Wisdom Senior Care; co-founder of Grace & Love Enriched Living) stated that her business provides supportive housing for seniors and veterans on fixed incomes, with rooms starting at $750 (all utilities included). She expressed interest in partnering with local governments to address the housing crisis and offered her organization as a resource. Council members welcomed her and suggested she connect with the Homeless Continuum of Care (HCoC) after the meeting.

Discussion Items

• BrowardNEXT Administrative Rules (Articles 3 and 5): Dawn Teetsel, Director of Planning for the Broward County Planning Council, presented updates. Article 3 now requires that any allocation of redevelopment units (density bonuses requested from the county) include an affordable housing set-aside; this was adopted by the county commission on August 21, 2025. Article 5 proposes raising the in-lieu-of-affordable-housing fee from $1 per square foot to $10,609 per dwelling unit (indexed annually), aligning it with Policy 216.4 (the Geller policy). This change is intended to standardize fees and reduce conflicts in the county’s comprehensive plan; it is scheduled for adoption consideration in September 2025. Teetsel confirmed that these incentive-based policies are not subject to state review under Senate Bill 180 because they are optional for local governments.
• Approval of June 27, 2025 Meeting Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Teneshia Taylor, seconded by Nathan Perlmutter, and passed unanimously.
• Chair’s Report & Recognition: Chair Krzemien initially deferred the report to await member Marcia Barry-Smith. Upon her arrival, the council presented her with a certificate of appreciation for her years of service on the housing council. Marcia Barry-Smith thanked the group and emphasized the importance of homeownership options and careful management of rental units to avoid future community problems.
• Director’s Report: Darby Delsalle reported no new updates following the conclusion of the legislative session.
• Amendment to 2025 Meeting Dates (New Business): Because the annual fall workshop is scheduled for October 23, 2025, the council considered moving the regular October 24 meeting to an alternate date. After discussion (including a humorous suggestion to meet on Halloween), the council agreed to move the meeting to Friday, November 7, 2025. A motion by Beth Daly, seconded by an unnamed member, carried unanimously. The December 12 meeting date remains unchanged.
• Annual Fall Workshop Planning (Old Business): The workshop is confirmed for Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Anne Kolb Nature Center (Mangrove Hall) in Hollywood. The theme is “Futureproofing Broward: Building Resilient Communities Through Housing Innovation.” Format: a panel of speakers (approximately one hour of Q&A) followed by breakout “think tank” table discussions and a report-out session. Confirmed panelist: Patrice Paldino (Director, HOSS-D). Tentative: Marty Kiar (Broward Property Appraiser). Michele Collie confirmed that City National Bank will sponsor breakfast. Council members suggested potential speakers on tiny homes, modular housing, shipping container homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and large-scale micro-unit developments. Members were asked to forward speaker ideas to Sue Carrano and Darby Delsalle.

Key Outcomes

• Meeting minutes of June 27, 2025 approved (unanimous).
• Regular meeting date changed from October 24 to November 7, 2025 (unanimous).
• Fall workshop details solidified: date (October 23), venue (Anne Kolb Nature Center), theme, format, confirmed sponsor (City National Bank), and confirmed panelist (Patrice Paldino). Members to continue recruiting speakers.
• Public comments received: Council committed to connecting Dwight Hinkson with resources and exploring advocacy for condo owners; M. Denise Simmons was directed to the HCoC Advisory Board for potential partnership.
• Next meeting: Friday, November 7, 2025, at 10 AM in Room 430, Broward County Government Center East. Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:35 AM.