Broward Housing Council No-Shows Amid Housing Affordability Crisis

As Broward County grapples with an escalating housing affordability crisis, the absence of key leaders from the Broward Housing Council raises significant concerns. This crisis has been described as "the predominant issue affecting Broward residents" by the CEO of the United Way of Broward. The recent cancellation of the Broward Housing Council’s June 24 meeting highlighted these alarming no-shows.

Key Absences Raise Eyebrows

Notably, two council members have missed every meeting this year: Broward County Commissioner Jared Moskowitz and outgoing School Board member Ann Murray. Both have failed to attend meetings in February, April, and June without providing any justification for their absences. Under the council’s bylaws, these unexcused absences should trigger their automatic removal from the council:

• Three or more consecutive unexcused absences lead to automatic removal.
• Moskowitz will receive a written notice from the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, while Murray will be notified by the Council Coordinator.

Additionally, a private citizen on the council, Fort Lauderdale real estate broker Christopher Krzemien, shares a similar record of unexcused absences.

Context: A Broader Housing Crisis

The timing of these absences is particularly troubling. Four days post the council’s canceled meeting, U.S. Housing Secretary Marcia Fudge visited South Florida, labeling Miami as "the epicenter of the housing crisis in this country." Broward County, with its mounting affordability challenges, is undeniably part of this crisis.

In a presentation to Broward commissioners, Dr. Ned Murray from Florida International University’s Metropolitan Center revealed disturbing data: a staggering 92% of Broward residents cannot afford the current median sale price of a single-family home, set at $545,000. This situation is most dire for people of color and other vulnerable populations.

Housing Affordability Insights:

• Broward’s Rank: The county ranks last in Florida for affordable housing availability, with less than 25 units per 100 families.
• Income Guidelines: Housing is deemed affordable when occupancy costs do not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.

In response to this pressing need, the United Way has initiated the "United in Housing for Broward Program Related Investment Fund", aimed at creating a capital fund to support affordable housing projects.

Broward Housing Council: How Are They Performing?

The Broward Housing Council, charged with advising the county on affordable housing policy, is falling short of its responsibilities. A recent review shows scant action on critical issues:

• Meeting Frequency: The council is intended to meet six times a year, but many meetings are fleeting. Most recently, the April meeting lasted a mere 12 minutes.

  • After a roll call and approval of previous minutes, the council heard two brief reports but proposed no actionable initiatives.
• Consistent Attendance Issues:
  • February’s meeting: Lasting 41 minutes with similar inactivity.
  • December 2021: Conducted in 21 minutes, covering only high-level topics.

Recent Council Vacancies

Three days before the June 24 meeting cancellation, the county commission approved $47 million in funding for new Affordable Housing projects, yet the council continues to face vacancies. Currently, it has only 13 voting members when it should have 16. These vacancies hinder effective governance.

Future Outlook

The Council’s upcoming meeting is tentatively scheduled for August 12 at 10 a.m. at the Broward Government Center in Fort Lauderdale. Expectations are set high, as this meeting will address several urgent topics, including the election of new leadership and reports on housing needs.

Conclusion: Urgent Need for Action

The growing housing affordability crisis in Broward County demands immediate and effective leadership. Stakeholders and residents alike look towards the Broward Housing Council for solutions, yet the absence of key members signals a troubling disengagement. It is imperative that these leaders step up, recognize their responsibilities, and work collaboratively to tackle this critical issue facing the community.

For more information about Florida’s housing challenges and initiatives, explore resources from the United Way of Broward and stay updated on the Broward Housing Council’s activities.

This article synthesizes the pressing issues surrounding the Broward Housing Council and the critical need for leadership in addressing the housing crisis within the community.