Hillsborough County commissioners have voted to repeal the HOPE Affordable Housing Act, a move that eliminates millions in annual funding for affordable housing initiatives. This decision has sparked debate among commissioners and community advocates regarding the county’s commitment to addressing the growing housing crisis.
Key Takeaways
- Hillsborough County commissioners voted 5-2 to repeal the HOPE Affordable Housing Act.
- The act previously provided $10 million annually, reduced to $2 million in recent years.
- Supporters of the repeal argue funds are needed for other projects, while critics fear it will endanger vulnerable residents.
- The county plans to allocate the previously designated funds to other county projects.
Repeal of HOPE Affordable Housing Act
In a contentious 5-2 vote, Hillsborough County commissioners have officially repealed the HOPE Affordable Housing Act. This ordinance, established in 2019, had previously allocated $10 million annually to support affordable housing projects. In recent years, the funding had been reduced to $2 million, with commissioners opting to redirect the remaining funds to other county priorities.
Supporters of the repeal, including Commissioner Joshua Wostal, believe the funds can be better utilized for projects that reduce property taxes and the overall cost of living. Wostal stated, "The role of government, nothing that I’ve read, is for us to dominate the housing industry and start being in charge of building homes for those around us with other people’s money." Commissioner Ken Hagan noted that the county is still committed to affordable housing, with plans to invest $400 million over the next six years.
However, critics, such as Justin LaRosa, Co-Chair of HOPE, expressed strong disappointment, calling the decision "shortsighted and insufficient in meeting the crisis need for affordable housing." LaRosa warned of an increase in homelessness, stating, "We’re gonna see more people on those roads and sidewalks sleeping, and we aren’t going away."
Community Efforts in Affordable Housing
Despite the county’s budget decisions, community-led initiatives continue to address the affordable housing shortage. Mt. Zion AME Church in Riverview, in partnership with the Tampa Housing Authority and other organizations, has broken ground on Zion Village. This project will create 75 affordable housing units specifically for seniors, aiming to provide dignified living spaces for those in need. Rev. Karen Jackson Sims highlighted the urgent need, sharing stories of seniors facing homelessness.
The qualification range for Zion Village units is between 30% to 70% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with units expected to be available in late 2025. These efforts demonstrate a commitment from local faith-based organizations and community partners to fill the gaps in affordable housing.
County Budget and Oversight
As the county navigates its budget, a new committee, the Hillsborough DOGE Liaison Committee, has been formed to advise the Board of County Commissioners and County Administrator on spending. Fourteen individuals have applied for these unpaid advisory roles, bringing diverse backgrounds in finance, auditing, and IT. The committee’s formation is part of a broader initiative to review county spending. The board is expected to discuss the allocation of the $10 million previously designated for HOPE during a meeting in July.
Sources
- Hillsborough commissioners vote to stop providing millions in funding for affordable housing program, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
- Florida church, community partners helping build affordable housing for seniors, Tampa Bay 28.
- Here are the 14 people who’ve applied for Hillsborough County’s DOGE committee, Creative Loafing Tampa.