Tallahassee surpasses House America affordable housing targets

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Florida Construction News staff writer

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced that more than 100,000 families and individuals have been housed through the federal initiative House America. In May 2022, the City of Tallahassee joined over 100 communities pledging to grow the affordable housing pipeline, and by the end of November 2022 had surpassed its goal.

“Since the City Commission made this issue one of its top priorities, there has been a 67 percent increase in the number of certified affordable housing units that have been completed or are in progress across our community,” Mayor John Dailey said in a statement.

To encourage participation, Tallahassee added construction of affordable housing units is a priority in the city’s Strategic Plan.

New policies and targeted development incentives encourage builders to offer more affordable options and by being an attractive community for new job growth. The city remains well-positioned to continue bringing affordable units to residents.

Actions include implementation of innovative strategies such as the inclusionary housing ordinance, infill construction loans, community land trust, down payment assistance program and policy changes that support the construction of affordable units.

“The results of our collective efforts are having an impact on the local economy with 26 projects – an estimated $600 million investment in affordable housing – happening throughout Tallahassee,” Commissioner Curtis Richardson said.

Lafayette Gardens and Magnolia Oaks are two recent examples of new developments adding certified affordable housing units to the growing pipeline. In addition to supporting construction of new units, work also preserves existing affordable housing through rehabilitation programs and partners with landlords to provide housing stability for vulnerable and at-risk tenants.

House America launched as a partnership between HUD, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) and individual communities to respond with urgency to address the crisis of affordable housing and homelessness.

Learn more about Tallahassee’s strategies to grow affordable housing stock and view the interactive dashboard at this link.

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