Affordable Housing In Manatee: County, FL Housing Coalition Partner

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Manatee County has paved the way for more affordable housing to be built in the area thanks to a new partnership with the Florida Housing Coalition.

In addition to teaming up to help build affordable housing in the county, they’ll provide opportunities for mission-based organizations and minority-owned or led businesses to participate in the process, according to a news release from the county.

County staff members are participating in a special training program, Support and Connect, offered through the coalition and Fifth Third Bank. They’ll learn best practices in disposition of public land for affordable housing with an emphasis on supplier diversity, the county said.

Participants are receiving the training and technical assistance at no cost in the inaugural year of the program.

“This is an important program, which will help Manatee County address the affordable housing crisis,” Scott Hopes, county administrator, said. “This will help ensure more robust participation, increasing the contribution of all stakeholders in meeting our local housing needs.”

Training and technical assistance will be provided over the next several months to provide systematic improvement in processes and procedures, increasing housing production while addressing barriers to participation often faced by minority developers and nonprofits, the county said.

Ultimately, it is anticipated that more housing will be produced by local businesses, providing opportunities to residents and building wealth within the local community.

“It’s a win-win for Manatee County,” Hopes said.