The City of Clearwater recently completed its 2024 Local Housing Incentive Strategies (LHIS), advancing efforts to address affordable housing challenges within one of Florida’s most densely populated counties. The City participates in the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program, which provides funding to local governments to produce and preserve affordable housing. A key SHIP requirement is the annual development of local housing incentive strategies to encourage affordable housing production through local regulatory reforms or programs. Since 2008, Wade Trim has assisted the City with its federal- and state-funded housing and community development programs.

The City must convene an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) to complete the LHIS. The AHAC consists of 11 representatives from various sectors—housing developers and professionals, major employers, and citizens—who recommend incentives to City Council. The AHAC discusses barriers affecting housing and the status of previous LHIS recommendations, and develops, reviews, and approves current recommendations. As part of this collaborative process, Wade Trim helped guide discussions about City policies and procedures, identify potential improvements, and explore new strategies in response to evolving policies and legislation.

The 2024 LHIS includes incentives such as expedited permitting processes, flexible densities, and ongoing review of local policies, ordinances, and plan provisions. Recently, the City adopted new policies for accessory dwelling units and is considering incentives for other alternative unit types or unconventional zoning regulations to improve housing affordability. The City continues to evaluate emerging barriers like condominium special assessments and insurance premiums, which are beyond its control. It also closely monitors State legislation for effects on housing affordability, and partners with the private and non-profit housing industry to identify practical solutions.

Despite challenges posed by two major hurricanes in 2024, Wade Trim worked closely with City staff to keep the project on schedule. All milestones were completed on time, including public notice requirements, agenda material preparation, meeting facilitation, and report delivery.