Notices: Economic Development & Affordable Housing
NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY
CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM-AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (HOME-ARP)
The City of Clearwater is estimated to receive $1,639,424 in grant allocation funds under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP). $245,749 of the allocation will be reserved for administrative activities incurred by the City of Clearwater and the remaining $1,393,675 will be used to provide funding for HOME-ARP qualifying affordable rental housing multifamily projects in the incorporated limits of the City of Clearwater or directly benefitting city residents. Such projects will be limited to acquisition, construction, and/or rehabilitation of affordable rental housing. Acquisition of vacant land or demolition may be undertaken for a HOME-ARP project if construction is expected to start within 12 months of commitment.
Projects approved for HOME-ARP funding are required to serve Qualifying Populations (QPs) which are limited to the following (paraphrased): the homeless; persons at-risk of homelessness; persons fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking; persons at greatest risk of housing instability such as households earning total household income of less than 30% of Area Median Income (AMI), or less than 50% AMI if the household meets specific criteria for “at-risk of homelessness”; or veterans or families of veterans that meet the population criteria above (i.e., homeless or at-risk of homelessness). Proposals should include a unit ratio of 70% qualifying populations as per HOME ARP guidelines and 30% Low Income (restricted to 50% of AMI).
The City will be utilizing an online application that can be found by clicking the Start Application button under Residential Developer Program located at https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/clearwaterfl/Participant beginning July 9, 2025. Additional information on utilizing Neighborly Software can be found under the Neighborly Software tab on the website.
Applications must be submitted via the City’s website no later than 11:59 p.m. on August 8, 2025.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dylan Mayeux, Economic Development and Housing Department Housing Manager, at 727-444-7168 or Dylan.Mayeux@MyClearwater.com.
PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF CLEARWATER, FL
NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY
STATE HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP (SHIP)PROGRAM FOR FY 2025-2026
The City of Clearwater anticipates receiving $907,085 for fiscal year 2025-2026 funding distributed by Florida Housing Finance Corporation through and operated under the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program. Eligible strategies are: purchase assistance for newly constructed and existing homes, owner occupied rehabilitation, multi-family housing, disaster mitigation and other activities included in its Local Housing Assistance Plan. A copy of the Local Housing Assistance Plan is available from the contact person identified below or via the City’s website www.myclearwater.com/affordablehousing.
These funds will primarily be used to assist eligible homebuyers in the purchase of homes within the city limits of Clearwater. For current homeowners, rehabilitation assistance may be provided to assist with code deficiencies within their dwellings. For disabled households, financial assistance may be provided for modifications to remove barriers and make housing accessible. Acquisition/Rehabilitation/New Construction, loans will made available to eligible sponsors for the acquisition, demolition, site improvement, rehabilitation or new construction of affordable homeownership housing for income-eligible homebuyers. Rental housing, loans will be made available to eligible sponsors for the acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction of affordable rental housing units for income-eligible households.
Applications for funded strategies will be made available between Ju1y, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Preference will be given to persons with special needs as defined in Florida Statute 420.0004(13).
Assistance is available to households whose maximum income is at or below 120% of Area Median Income. Priority will be given to households at 80% or below Area Median Income.
For further information, contact Ms. Terry Malcolm-Smith at 727-444-4176 or via email at terry.malcolm-smith@myclearwater.com; or in person at the City of Clearwater Economic Development & Housing Department located at 509 S. East Avenue, Suite 227, Clearwater, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS
CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
DEVELOPMENT/REHABILITATION OF AFFORDABLE MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING FUNDED THROUGH THE STATE OF FLORIDA’S LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT (LIHTC) PROGRAM
The City of Clearwater, Florida (the “City”), is requesting applications from developers interested in applying for funding through the FY 2025-2026 State of Florida Low Income Housing Tax Credit (“LIHTC”) Program. The applications are necessary for the consideration of providing City support for qualified multi-family housing development which meet the goals of the City and comply with applicable federal and state law.
All applications submitted will be reviewed by a technical review committee on June 23rd, 2025 at 2:30pm to be located at 600 Cleveland St Clearwater FL 33755, who will make a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council has the authority to approve commitment letters and loans providing Local Government Area of Opportunity Funding for developments seeking Florida Housing Finance Corporation (“FHFC”) Housing Credits and State Apartment Incentive Loan (“SAIL”) funding in conjunction with FHFC Request for Applications (“RFA”) and/or loans providing Local Government Contributions in conjunction with FHFC RFA’s. Submission of an application does not entitle the applicant to financing, even if sufficient funds remain.
As a community committed to expanding affordable housing opportunities for our residents, Clearwater recognizes the pivotal role that the LIHTC program plays in fostering the development and rehabilitation of rental housing. This federal program serves as a crucial tool for supporting developers in creating affordable housing options by awarding tax credits that offset construction costs, in exchange for reserving a portion of units that are rent-restricted and designated for lower-income households.
The LIHTC program is the federal government’s primary tool for promoting the development and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing. This program provides developers with federal tax credits to offset construction costs in exchange for committing to set aside a portion of units with rent restrictions for lower-income households. There are two types of LIHTCs available to developers: the 9% credit, typically used for new construction, offering up to a 70% subsidy, and the 4% credit, generally applied to rehabilitation projects that involve at least 50% federally tax-exempt bond financing, providing up to a 30% subsidy.
The 9% LIHTC is a critical driver in the creation and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing across the U.S., serving as an effective and efficient method for producing and preserving affordable housing. On average, 50% of the total financing for 9% LIHTC projects comes from the equity generated by the credit. Many states rely on the 9% LIHTC as their primary mechanism for supporting affordable rental housing. In areas with high area median incomes (“AMI”s) and elevated rent levels, the 9% LIHTC effectively helps create new affordable housing and preserve existing units with below-market rents. Due to higher incomes in these areas, LIHTC projects remain financially viable. While the rents are below market rates, they are tied to the AMI of the metropolitan area, meaning rents will be higher in regions with higher AMIs compared to those with lower median incomes, resulting in stronger cash flows for the property.
Through this RFA, the City aims to allocate Local Government Area of Opportunity funding, with an amount not exceeding the minimum required by FHFC. For the purposes of this RFA, please assume the funding amount to be $610,000.
Applications for funding will be released on May 21st, 2025. All interested parties shall submit their applications to the City of Clearwater Housing Division located at 509 S. East Ave, Suite 227 Clearwater, FL 33756 or via the City of Clearwater’s Housing Departments website by 4:30 p.m. on June 20th, 2025, no exceptions will be made. Decisions regarding proposed projects will be made by the City Council at their July 10th, 2025 meeting.
The City reserves the following rights to:
- Engage in pre-award discussions and/or negotiations with any responsive and responsible applicants whose submission is considered reasonably acceptable for award; conduct interviews or request presentations from any or all applicants prior to selection; and investigate the qualifications of applicants as deemed necessary, including background checks by the City’s Police Department or other law enforcement agencies.
- Request that applicants revise their proposals to better meet the City's needs, including submitting Best and Final Offers (BAFO), or provide additional information as reasonably required.
- Ensure fair and equal treatment for all applicants regarding opportunities for discussions and proposal revisions, which may occur after submission and before the final award.
- Negotiate acceptable modifications to proposals, waive minor procedural irregularities, and reject any or all proposals.
- Proceed with the selection of a successful applicant without further discussions.
- Waive any proposal irregularities or reject any or all proposals if determined to be in the City’s best interest. The City will be the sole judge of applicant qualifications and reserves the right to verify all submitted information. The selected proposal will be the one deemed most beneficial to the City.
Application packets are available via the internet through the Economic Development and Housing Department website located here. Printed copies of these documents are available at the City of Clearwater’s Housing Division located at 509 S. East Ave, Suite 227 Clearwater, FL 33756. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dylan Mayeux, Acting Housing Manager at 727-444-7168 or at dylan.mayeux@myclearwater.com.
Notices: Economic Development & Affordable Housing
CITY OF CLEARWATER
2025-2029 CONSOLIDATED PLAN & FY 2025 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
30-DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD & PUBLIC HEARINGS
CORRECTED NOTICE
The City of Clearwater is hereby publishing the proposed 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Annual Action Plan (AAP)(PDF, 6MB) to allocate federal funding from the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Consolidated Plan identifies strategic goals to address the needs of low- and moderate-income persons over the next five-year period, which begins on October 1, 2025, and ends on September 30, 2030. The AAP identifies projects and activities to be implemented by the City during FY 2025, which begins on October 1, 2025, and ends on September 30, 2026. CDBG funds are used to provide decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities to principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons. HOME funds are used to foster private sector partnerships with for-profit and non-profit organizations to develop affordable housing.
In addition to the entitlement grant, funding allocations include anticipated program income generated by the City’s Revolving Loan Fund as well as prior-year (i.e., carryover) resources from projects that were either cancelled or completed under budget to be applied toward new projects. The City of Clearwater anticipates an estimated $925,886 in new CDBG funds, $52,900 in CDBG program income, and $367,673 in prior-year CDBG resources. An estimated $538,474 will be sourced from the City’s Revolving Loan Fund. The City also anticipates an estimated $383,226 in new HOME funds, $2,416,313 in HOME program income, and $2,591,861 in prior-year HOME resources. These funds will be programmed to eligible activities under these grant programs.
The list below, organized by strategic goal, captures all proposed projects to be funded with CDBG and HOME resources in FY 2025. Funding for these and other projects are estimated resources only and funding amounts may increase or decrease based upon actual program income, prior-year adjustments, and/or final federal funding allocations. Due to these and other factors, the City of Clearwater reserves the right to add or delete projects and/or adjust funding allocations proportionally.
ESTIMATED RESOURCES
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) – Entitlement $925,886
CDBG - Program Income $52,900
CDBG - Prior-Year Resources $367,673
Revolving Loan Fund $538,474
HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) – Entitlement $383,226
HOME - Program Income $2,416,313
HOME - Prior-Year Resources $2,591,861
TOTAL $7,276,333
PROPOSED PROJECTS
Program Administration
CDBG (from Entitlement) $185,177
CDBG (from Program Income) $5,560
HOME (from Entitlement) $38,323
HOME (from Program Income) $10,800
Housing
Creation and Preservation of Rental Housing $3,749,151
Creation and Preservation of Owner-Occupied Housing $1,249,956
Home Purchase Assistance/Loan Processing $500,000
Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) $285,599
Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) Set-Aside $57,484
Homelessness
WestCare GulfCoast Florida (A Turning Point Program) $23,147
Gulfcoast Legal Services (Housing Legal Services for Homeless Prevention) $23,147
Metropolitan Ministries (NeighborHOPE Program) $23,147
Pinellas Opportunity Council (Emergency Assistance Program) $23,147
St. Vincent de Paul Community Kitchen and Resource Center (Facility Improvements) $105,000
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Hope Villages of America (Senior Wellness Pantry) $23,147
Community Development & Public Services
Hispanic Outreach Center (Youth Leadership/Victim Advocacy) $23,147
Hope Villages of America (Food Distribution & Basic Needs Center) $85,000
Directions for Living (ADA Accessibility/Doors/Stairwells) $191,340
Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center (Power Backup/Generator) $74,134
TBD-Public Facilities Projects $85,400
Elimination of Slum & Blight (Property Acquisition & Demolition) $68,052
Economic Development
Prospera (Technical Assistance for LMI Hispanic Businesses) $20,000
WeeCare dba Upwards Care (Childcare BOOST Program) $19,600
Façade Improvement Program $406,875
Emergency/Disaster Response
TBD – Disaster Relief (Funding amount TBD based on available resource and urgent need). $0
TOTAL $7,276,333
The public comment period begins on June 8, 2025, and ends on July 11, 2025. Please send any comments to Dylan Mayeux, Real Estate Coordinator II, City of Clearwater Economic Development and Housing Department, 509 S. East Ave, Suite 227, Clearwater, FL 33756 or via telephone at 727-444-7168 or via email at Dylan.Mayeux@myclearwater.com before 5:00 p.m. on July 11, 2025 (extended from the original due date of July 7, 2025, or 30 days after this corrected notice is published). A draft copy of the proposed City of Clearwater 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and FY 2025 Annual Action Plan will be available for public comment beginning June 8, 2025, on the City’s website at https://www.myclearwater.com/My-Government/City-Departments/Economic-Development/Guiding-Documents-Plans-and-Reports. Hard copies will be available at the following locations for review during the public comment period:
|
Clearwater Main Library
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
|
City of Clearwater
Economic Development & Housing Department
509 S. East Avenue, Suite 227
Clearwater, FL 33756
|
City of Clearwater
City Clerk's Office
600 Cleveland Street, Suite 600
Clearwater, FL 33755
|
Additionally, the City of Clearwater will hold two public hearings to receive comments on the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and FY 2025 Annual Action Plan prior to submittal to HUD. Both public hearings will be held in City Council Chambers in the Main Library located at 100 N. Osceola Ave., Clearwater, FL, 33755. The first public hearing will be a meeting of the Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB) to be held on July 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The second public hearing will be a meeting of the Clearwater City Council to be held on August 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to effectively participate in these meetings are asked to contact the City Clerk at (727) 444-7151 or rosemarie.call@myclearwater.com in advance.