LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: D.C. Reeves, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
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RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council acknowledge the following Escambia County appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee for the terms ending as described:
Lauren Green-December 31, 2024
Renee Wilhoit-December 31, 2024
Commissioner Lumon May-August 19, 2026
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
The Escambia Pensacola Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC), established pursuant to the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Act and the Escambia/Pensacola SHIP Interlocal Agreement, serves as an advisory committee that makes recommendations annually to City Council and the Board of County Commissioners regarding initiatives to encourage and facilitate affordable housing. Under the SHIP Interlocal with the County, the County and City agreed to jointly establish and staff the AHAC and that appointments will be jointly approved by the Board of County Commissioners and the City Council.
The Act and Interlocal Agreement specifies that the City and County will appoint citizens to the AHAC who represent the membership composition required under F.S. 420.9076. In accordance with the Act, the membership of the committee shall consist of at least eight but not more than eleven members. The committee must consist of one locally elected official from each county or municipality and one representative from at least six of the following categories:
(a) A citizen who is actively engaged in the residential home building industry in connection with affordable housing;
(b) A citizen who is actively engaged in banking or the mortgage banking industry in connection with affordable housing;
(c) A citizen who is a representative of those areas of labor actively engaged in home building in connection with affordable housing;
(d) A citizen who is actively engaged as an advocate for low-income persons in connection with affordable housing;
(e) A citizen who is actively engaged as a for-profit provider of affordable housing;
(f) A citizen who is actively engaged as a not-for-profit provider of affordable housing;
(g) A citizen who is actively engaged as a real estate professional in connection with affordable housing;
(h) A citizen who actively serves on the local planning agency, pursuant to s: 163.3174, Florida Statutes;
(i) A citizen who resides within the jurisdiction of the local governing body making the appointments;
(j) A citizen who represents employers within the jurisdiction; and
(k) A citizen who represents essential services personnel as defined in the local housing assistance plan.
Per the Interlocal Agreement, the city is responsible for appointing a representative from the City of Pensacola Planning Board and a citizen who resides within the city. On December 16, 2021, City Council reappointed Paul Ritz, a member of the City of Pensacola Planning Board, and Crystal Scott, a city resident, to the AHAC for a three (3) year term expiring December 31, 2024. Council recently reappointed Council President Delarian Wiggins to serve as the City’s locally elected representative through August 19, 2026.
The County appointed Lauren Green as a citizen advocate for low income households and Renee Wilhoit as a citizen engaged in the mortgage/banking industry. Both appointees are filling committee vacancies and will serve out remaining terms through December 31, 2024. On September 7, 2023, the County reappointed Commissioner Lumon May to serve as the County’s locally elected representative to serve through August 19, 2026.
City Council and the County Commission appoint members every three years or as needed to fill vacancies as outlined by Florida Statute and the SHIP Interlocal Agreement.
PRIOR ACTION:
April 14, 2022-Council approved the 2022-24 SHIP Program Interlocal Agreement with Escambia County
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The local government is required to staff and appoint members to the AHAC to carry out the requirements of F.S. 420.9076 in order to continue to receive SHIP funds.
LEGAL REVIEW ONLY BY CITY ATTORNEY: Yes
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STAFF CONTACT:
Kerrith Fiddler, City Administrator
David Forte, Deputy City Administrator
Meredith Reeves, Interim Housing Director
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Lauren Green Application
2) Renee Wilhoit Application
PRESENTATION: No end