SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

City of Gainesville SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting AGENDA Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Location: Historic Thomas Center, Building A 302 NE 6th Ave Gainesville, FL 32601 Megan Atwater, Jamie Bell, Aymee Cepeda, Charmaine Henry, Mary Lou Hildreth, Members: Michael Pellett, Reina Saco, Fred Schilffarth, Octavia Washington Commissioner Alternate: Casey Willits If you have a disability and need an accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at (352) 334-5051 at least two business days in advance. TTY (Text Telephone Telecommunication Device) users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service). For Speech to Speech (STS) relay, please call 1-877-955-5334. For STS Spanish relay, please call 1- 877-955-8773. For STS French Creole relay, please call 1-877-955-8707.  Pages A. CALL TO ORDER Agenda Statement: The City of Gainesville encourages civil public speech. Disruptive behavior is not permitted during City Commission and Advisory Board meetings. Please do not bring food, drinks, props, signs, posters, or similar materials into the meeting room. B. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA C. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. Approve Minutes of the July 11, August 1, August 16, and September 12, 3 2023 Meetings Recommendation: The SHIP-Affordable Housing Advisory Committee approve the Minutes of the July 11, August 1, August 16, and September 12, 2023 Meetings. D. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2024-135 Calendar Year 2023 Report to the City Commission (B) 13 Department: Housing & Community Development Description: At the beginning of each calendar year, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee reports on its activities from the previous year. Fiscal Note: N/A Recommendation: The AHAC: 1) finalize and approve the 2023 AHAC Report to the City Commission; 2) finalize and approve a PowerPoint Presentation related to the 2023 AHAC Report to the City Commission; and 3) appoint a member to present the report at a City Commission meeting. E. PUBLIC COMMENT F. MEMBER COMMENT G. NEXT MEETING DATE - May 14, 2024 H. ADJOURNMENT Page 2 of 32  City of Gainesville SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting MINUTES July 11, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Historic Thomas Center, Building B 306 NE 6th Avenue Gainesville, FL Members Present: Jamie Bell, Mary Lou Hildreth, Michael Raburn, Saeed Khan, Belinda Smith, Octavia Washington, Fred Schilffarth Members Absent: Reina Saco, Aymee Ginard-Cepeda _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER - 6:10 p.m. B. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Moved by Mary Lou Hildreth Seconded by Michael Raburn Motion: The SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee adopt the agenda. Aye (6): Jamie Bell, Mary Lou Hildreth, Michael Raburn, Saeed Khan, Octavia Washington, and Fred Schilffarth Approved (6 to 0) C. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. Approve Minutes of the January 13, February 10, March 14, April 11, April 18, and June 13, 2023 Meetings Moved by Mary Lou Hildreth Seconded by Michael Raburn 1 Page 3 of 32  Recommendation: The SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee approve the minutes from the January 13, February 10, March 14, April 11, April 18, and June 13, 2023 Meetings. Motion: The SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee approve the minutes from the January 13, February 10, March 14, April 11, April 18, and June 13, 2023 Meetings. Aye (6): Jamie Bell, Mary Lou Hildreth, Michael Raburn, Saeed Khan, Octavia Washington, and Fred Schilffarth Approved (6 to 0) D. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2023-619 Funding Recommendation for a State Apartments Incentives Loan Project (B) Moved by Michael Raburn Seconded by Mary Lou Hildreth Recommendation: The AHAC: 1) Hear a presentation from staff and the applicant; 2) Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of project; 3) Use the Evaluation Form to evaluate the project and give reasons for your evaluations; and 4) Recommend whether or not the City Manager should approve using ConnectFree funds to provide a $37,500 Local Government Contribution to the project. Motion: AHAC recommend that the City Manager approve using ConnectFree funds to provide a $37,500.00 Local Government Contribution to the project. Aye (7): Jamie Bell, Mary Lou Hildreth, Michael Raburn, Saeed Khan, Belinda Smith, Octavia Washington, and Fred Schilffarth Approved (7 to 0) E. PUBLIC COMMENT None. 2 Page 4 of 32 F. MEMBER COMMENT Chair Bell and Vice-Chair Hildreth commented on the benefits of meeting with the County AHAC. The Committee asked for Department of Sustainable Development staff to provide an update on the Inclusionary Zoning ordinance at an upcoming meeting. G. NEXT MEETING DATE - August 1, 2023 H. ADJOURNMENT - 7:01 p.m. 3 Page 5 of 32  City of Gainesville SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting MINUTES August 1, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Historic Thomas Center, Building B 306 NE 6th Avenue Gainesville, FL Members Present: Jamie Bell, Mary Lou Hildreth, Saeed Khan, Fred Schilffarth, Octavia Washington Members Absent: Aymee Ginard-Cepeda, Michael Raburn, Reina Saco, Belinda Smith _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER - 6:07 p.m. B. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Moved by Mary Lou Hildreth Seconded by Saeed Khan Motion: The SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee adopt the agenda. Aye (5): Jamie Bell, Mary Lou Hildreth, Saeed Khan, Fred Schilffarth, and Octavia Washington Approved (5 to 0) C. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES None. 1 Page 6 of 32 D. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2023-744 Inclusionary Zoning Update (NB) Juan Castillo, Planner III in the City's Department of Sustainable Development, called in on a speakerphone to provide an update on the status of the City's proposed Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance; and the results of recent City Plan Board discussion of this topic. The Committee asked Mr. Castillo several questions regarding the next steps needed to enact the ordinance. Recommendation: The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee hear an update from the Department of Sustainable Development regarding the status of the City’s proposed Inclusionary Zoning ordinance. Heard 2. 2023-670 Funding Recommendation for Local Government Area of Opportunity Project (B) Mr. Wachtel provided a brief introduction. Brian Evjen and Malcolm Kiner presented the project and answered questions from the Committee. After discussing the project's strengths and weaknesses, the Committee members individually completed the evaluation forms and submitted them to the Board Liaison. After reviewing the evaluation forms, Mr. Wachtel announced that all of the Committee members present voted to recommend that the City Commission fund the project. Moved by Mary Lou Hildreth Seconded by Fred Schilffarth Recommendation: The AHAC: 1) hear a presentation from staff and the applicant; 2) discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the project; 3) use the Evaluation Form to evaluate the project; 4) recommend that the City Commission either fund or not fund the project; and 5) authorize the Chair or another AHAC Member to present the recommendation to the City Commission at their August 24, 2023 General Policy Committee Meeting. 2 Page 7 of 32  Motion: The AHAC recommends that the City Commission approve using $460,000 in ConnnectFree revenues as a Local Contribution for Woodland Park Phase 2, to support the project's application for LGAO funding. Aye (5): Jamie Bell, Mary Lou Hildreth, Saeed Khan, Fred Schilffarth, and Octavia Washington Approved (5 to 0) E. PUBLIC COMMENT Kali Blount and Abigail Rillo spoke. F. MEMBER COMMENT None. G. NEXT MEETING DATE - August 16, 2023 (with County AHAC) H. ADJOURNMENT - 7:26 p.m. 3 Page 8 of 32  City of Gainesville SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting MINUTES August 16, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Alachua County Administration Building, Grace Knight Conference Room 12 SE 1st Street, 2nd Floor Gainesville, FL Members Present: Jamie Bell, Mary Lou Hildreth, Fred Schilffarth Members Absent: Aymee Ginard-Cepeda, Saeed Khan, Michael Raburn, Reina Saco, Belinda Smith, Octavia Washington _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER - 6:08 p.m. B. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA The County AHAC adopted the agenda. The City AHAC lacked a quorum and did not adopt the agenda. Before moving to Items for Discussion, all the members from both AHACs and both staffs introduced themselves. C. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES None. 1 Page 9 of 32 D. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2023-804 Items for Discussion (NB) To increase information sharing, it was suggested that a member of the County AHAC who resides in the City could also apply to become a member of the City AHAC. Stephen Weeks, County Staff Liaison presented a brief overview of the County Incentives and Recommendations Report (IRR). John Wachtel, City Staff Liaison presented a brief overview of the City IRR. The Committees discussed the importance of City-County coordination on Inclusionary Housing Regulations and other housing policies. Recommendation: The City and County Affordable Housing Advisory Committees discuss various items related to their duties, and to affordable housing in this community. Heard E. PUBLIC COMMENT None. F. MEMBER COMMENT None. G. NEXT MEETING DATE - September 12, 2023 H. ADJOURNMENT - 7:20 p.m. 2 Page 10 of 32  City of Gainesville SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting MINUTES September 12, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Historic Thomas Center, Building B 306 NE 6th Avenue Gainesville, FL Members Present: Jamie Bell, Aymee Ginard-Cepeda, Reina Saco, Charmaine B. Henry Members Absent: Mary Lou Hildreth, Saeed Khan, Fred Schilffarth, Belinda Smith, Octavia Washington _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER - 6:11 p.m. B. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Although the Committee lacked a quorum, the members agreed to proceed with the meeting. C. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES None. 1 Page 11 of 32 D. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2023-835 Discussion of the Incentives and Recommendations Report (B) The Committee members discussed recommendations regarding each of the report's 11 legislatively required strategies, as well as several additional recommendations to include in the report. The committee agreed that they would review a Draft Report at their next meeting. Recommendation: The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Review the information provided and take appropriate action. Heard E. PUBLIC COMMENT None. F. MEMBER COMMENT None. G. NEXT MEETING DATE - October 10, 2023 H. ADJOURNMENT - 7:56 p.m. 2 Page 12 of 32  City of Gainesville Agenda Item Report File Number: 2024-135 Agenda Date: April 9, 2024 Department: Housing & Community Development Title: 2024-135 Calendar Year 2023 Report to the City Commission (B) Department: Housing & Community Development Description: At the beginning of each calendar year, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee reports on its activities from the previous year. Fiscal Note: N/A Explanation: Each year, the City Commission asks its advisory boards to submit and present a brief report on the board’s activities over the previous year. At a minimum, the City Commission requests that the board answer the following five questions: 1. As you see it, what is the mission of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC)? 2. What are the three most important things that the AHAC did during calendar year 2023? 3. What are the three most important things the AHAC is working on right now, or hopes to work on in 2024? 4. What could the City Commission do to help the AHAC better serve our neighbors? 5. What else does the City Commission need to know about the AHAC? The City Commission requests that the AHAC present this report at a Commission meeting no later than July 2024. The AHAC discussed this topic at its February 13, 2024 meeting, and asked the Board Liaison to type its notes into a draft outline and send that outline to each member. The Committee agreed to quickly respond if they had any revisions. The draft outline was included in the backup for March 12, 2024 meeting. The No AHAC members responded with revisions. Page 13 of 32 At the March 12, 2024 AHAC meeting, members did discuss and revise the text of the report. They then decided to adopt the final versions of the report and the PowerPoint Presentation at their April 9, 2024 meeting. Strategic Connection: ☐ Goal 1: Equitable Community ☐ Goal 2: More Sustainable Community ☒ Goal 3: A Great Place to Live and Experience ☐ Goal 4: Resilient Local Economy ☐ Goal 5: “Best in Class” Neighbor Services Recommendation: The AHAC: 1) finalize and approve the 2023 AHAC Report to the City Commission; 2) finalize and approve a PowerPoint Presentation related to the 2023 AHAC Report to the City Commission; and 3) appoint a member to present the report at a City Commission meeting. Page 14 of 32  2024-135A AHAC REPORT TO THE CITY COMMISSION—CALENDAR YEAR 2023 NOTES FROM THE AHAC DISCUSSION ON FEBRUARY 13, 2024 I. As you see it, what is the mission of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC)? A. The SHIP-AHAC is a statutorily obligated Board, the existence of which is required for the City to receive State Housing Incentive Partnership (SHIP) Program funding. That funding totaled $1,669,046.00 in Fiscal Year 2023-24. B. Each year, our primary goal is to update the Incentives and Recommendations Report (IRR). This involves evaluating City rules, regulations, plans, policies, and procedures that impact the cost of housing. In addition, the IRR can identify other programs and initiatives that the City can study to incentivize and support increased affordable housing development. C. More broadly, however, our mission is to promote increased affordable housing availability in our community by soliciting public feedback, reviewing affordable housing development opportunities, facilitating coordination between the City and the County, educating the City Commission on affordable housing needs, and encouraging the City to implement policies that will improve housing affordability and availability for all of our neighbors in need. D. Provide an opportunity for community involvement and education regarding housing initiatives (e.g., the Inclusionary Zoning Meetings). E. Keep the City Commission and staff aware of community needs and possible solutions. F. Help the City Commission prioritize resources. II. What are the three most important things that the AHAC did during calendar year 2023? A. Developed the IRR. B. Provided funding recommendations for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) supported Affordable Housing Development Projects. 1. Involved $7.2 million. C. Conducted community engagement meetings and developed recommendations for the City’s inclusionary housing ordinance. D. Initiated conversation about ordinance changes to make AHAC more efficient. 1. Resulted in Ordinance #2023-420, which revised Section 14-6 of the City Code. E. Provided a funding recommendation for a Local Government Area of Opportunity (LGAO) Affordable Housing Development Project. F. Met with the County AHAC. Page 15 of 32 III. What are the three most important things the AHAC is working on right now, or hopes to work on in 2024? A. Increase public input/involvement. 1. Brainstorm ways to “meet people where they are.” B. Develop the IRR. C. Facilitate/disseminate public education/information (ex: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and other “small fixes”). D. Provide funding recommendation for LGAO and State Apartments Incentive Loan (SAIL) Affordable Housing Development Projects. IV. What could the City Commission do to help the AHAC better serve our neighbors? A. Provide support for an ADU and other “small fixes” Workshop. B. Continue to seek AHAC input regarding housing related policy. V. What else does the City Commission need to know about the AHAC? A. The AHAC wants to do more, particularly related to: 1. Education and outreach; and 2. Housing policy. Page 16 of 32  2024-135B CITY OF GAINESVILLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2023 Report to the City Commission date Page 17 of 32 Our mission • Meet State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program requirements to receive funding • $1,669,046 last year • Develop an Incentives and Recommendations Report (IRR) • Evaluate City rules, regulations, plans, policies, and procedures that impact housing costs • Identify other programs and initiatives that might incentivize and support increased affordable housing development • Community involvement and education • Prioritize resources Page 18 of 32 The most important things we did in 2023 • Developed the IRR • Provided funding recommendations ($7.2M) for American Rescue Plan Act supported Affordable Housing Development Projects • Conducted community engagement meetings and developed recommendations for the City’s inclusionary housing ordinance • Initiated ordinance changes to make AHAC more efficient • Resulted in Ordinance #2023-420, which revised Section 14-6 of the City Code • Provided a funding recommendation for a Local Government Area of Opportunity (LGAO) Affordable Housing Development Project • Met with the County AHAC Page 19 of 32 The most important things to work on in 2024 • Increase public input/involvement • i.e., Brainstorm ways to “meet people where they are” • Develop the IRR • Facilitate/disseminate public education/information • For example: Accessory Dwelling Units and other “small fixes” • Provide funding recommendation for LGAO and State Apartments Incentive Loan (SAIL) Affordable Housing Development Projects Page 20 of 32 How the City Commission could help • Continue to seek AHAC input regarding housing related policy • Provide support for an ADU and other “small fixes” Workshop Page 21 of 32 What else the Commission needs to know re: AHAC • The AHAC wants to do more, particularly related to: • Education and outreach • Housing policy Page 22 of 32 Thank you. Questions? Page 23 of 32  2024-135A AHAC REPORT TO THE CITY COMMISSION—CALENDAR YEAR 2023 I. As you see it, what is the mission of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC)? A. The SHIP-AHAC is a statutorily obligated Board, the existence of which is required for the City to receive State Housing Incentive Partnership (SHIP) Program funding. For Fiscal Year 2023-24, that funding totals $1,669,046.00. B. Each year, our primary goal is to update the Incentives and Recommendations Report (IRR). This involves evaluating City rules, regulations, plans, policies, and procedures that impact the cost of housing. In addition, the IRR can identify other programs and initiatives that the City can study to incentivize and support increased affordable housing development. C. More broadly, however, our mission is to promote increased affordable housing availability in our community by soliciting public feedback, reviewing affordable housing development opportunities, encouraging coordination between the City and the County AHACs, and advising the City Commission on affordable housing needs. D. Provide an opportunity for community involvement and education regarding housing initiatives (e.g., the Inclusionary Zoning Meetings). II. What are the three most important things that the AHAC did during calendar year 2023? A. Developed the IRR. B. Provided funding recommendations for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) supported Affordable Housing Development Projects ($7.2 million). C. Conducted community engagement meetings and developed recommendations for the City’s inclusionary housing ordinance. D. Met with the County AHAC to initiate coordination and cooperation between the two committees. III. What are the three most important things the AHAC is working on right now, or hopes to work on in 2024? A. Increase public input/involvement and facilitate/disseminate public education/information (ex: Accessory Dwelling Units and other “small fixes”). B. Provide funding recommendations for Local Government Area of Opportunity (LGAO), State Apartments Incentive Loan (SAIL), and other potential funding sources for Affordable Housing Development Projects. C. Increase communication and coordination with the County AHAC; encourage staff to set up semi-annual joint meetings. D. Develop the IRR. Page 24 of 32 IV. What could the City Commission do to help the AHAC better serve our neighbors? A. Provide support for an Accessory Dwelling Units and other “small fixes” Workshop; this includes up to date information on changing City policies and resources we can share with the public. “Give us the stuff, we’ll present it to the public.” B. Continue to seek AHAC input regarding housing related items. 1. Look for opportunities to include AHAC early-on in the review process for new housing developments of more than 10 units. For example, for each AHAC agenda, provide an informational item updating the status of projects. 2. Send all new housing related policy to AHAC for review and feedback. V. What else does the City Commission need to know about the AHAC? A. The AHAC wants to do more, particularly related to: 1. Education and outreach; and 2. Housing policy. Page 25 of 32  2024-135B CITY OF GAINESVILLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2023 Report to the City Commission date Page 26 of 32 Our mission • Meet State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program requirements to receive funding • $1,669,046 last year • Develop an Incentives and Recommendations Report (IRR) • Evaluate City rules, regulations, plans, policies, and procedures that impact housing costs • Identify other programs and initiatives that might incentivize and support increased affordable housing development • Use various methods to promote increased access to affordable housing, and to advise the City Commission • Community involvement and education (e.g., the Inclusionary Zoning Meetings) Page 27 of 32 The most important things we did in 2023 • Developed the IRR • Provided funding recommendations ($7.2M) for American Rescue Plan Act supported Affordable Housing Development Projects • Conducted community engagement meetings and developed recommendations for the City’s inclusionary housing ordinance • Met with the County AHAC to initiate coordination and cooperation between the two committees Page 28 of 32 The most important things to work on in 2024 • Facilitate/disseminate public education/information • For example: Accessory Dwelling Units and other “small fixes” • Provide funding recommendation for LGAO and State Apartments Incentive Loan (SAIL) Affordable Housing Development Projects • Increase communication and coordination with the County AHAC (set regular meetings) • Develop the IRR Page 29 of 32 How the City Commission can help • Provide support for an ADU and other “small fixes” Workshop • Technical assistance • Handouts • Continue to seek AHAC input regarding housing related policy • Provide AHAC information re: Housing projects of more than 10 units • AHAC can decide whether or not to comment • Send all new housing related policy to AHAC for review and feedback Page 30 of 32 What else the Commission needs to know re: AHAC • The AHAC wants to do more, particularly related to: • Education and outreach • Housing policy Page 31 of 32 Thank you. Questions? Page 32 of 32