As Florida’s most densely populated county, Pinellas County requires significant coordination among numerous municipalities and stakeholders to support affordable housing and community development.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides entitlement communities, such as the Pinellas County Consortium in Florida, funds from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs. Detailed plans that analyze, identify, and prioritize housing and community development needs are required for funding. Wade Trim prepared Pinellas County’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan, 2020 Annual Action Plan, Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) Report, and HOME-ARP Allocation Plan.

Extensive public outreach was critical to identify community needs and clarify goals. Wade Trim conducted needs assessment meetings, fair housing forums, and online surveys to collect input regarding the County’s low- and moderate-income housing and community development needs and provide education about fair housing initiatives. Mapping and a visual geographic information system (GIS) were used to analyze the large amount of fair housing data and determine trends across the County for the AI Report.

Pinellas County approved the Consolidated Plan, AI Report, and Annual Action Plan in the summer of 2020 and submitted to HUD. These plans connect the County’s housing and development needs and barriers with appropriate strategies and actions to address them. Notably, the Five-Year Consolidated Plan prioritizes the preservation and production of affordable housing.

In 2022, Wade Trim began working on the County’s HOME-ARP Allocation Plan to allocate funds for housing-related activities that benefit qualifying populations under HOME-ARP, including persons at-risk of homelessness, veterans, and other vulnerable persons. Three consultation forums were held in fall 2022 to engage the HUD Continuum of Care program, nonprofit housing, public service providers, County staff, and grantee departments. Two of these forums utilized an interactive engagement platform, provided by the Collaborative Labs of St. Petersburg College, to help identify priority needs relevant to qualifying populations under HOME-ARP.

Using the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, the County identified needs for affordable rental units (notably permanent supportive housing), rental/financial assistance, wrap-around supportive services, and non-congregate shelter for individuals and families. Several geographic areas were targeted to better organize projects and synergize the investment of funds.

The resulting HOME-ARP Allocation Plan was completed and submitted to HUD in February 2023 prior to the federal deadline.