HOUSINGAddressing the region’s workforce housing challenge continues to be a top priority for the Naples Chamber. Limited access to housing that is affordable makes it difficult to recruit and retain a talented workforce. Large employers throughout Collier have indicated at least 20 percent of their workforce lives out of county, and some said their employees spend as much as 60 percent of their income on housing.
The Chamber has advocated for sensible solutions to Collier County’s workforce housing challenges. That includes supporting steps to reduce regulations, increase density and fund workforce housing initiatives. The Chamber has worked with private, public and non-profit organizations to address this issue. In 2018, the Chamber supported Collier County’s local option sales surtax increase. The seven-year, one-cent increase will raise an estimated $490 million, of which $20 million will be placed in a workforce housing land trust. Resources: Housing information Collier County Community Housing Plan – Completed in 2017, the housing plan provides an overview of housing concerns in Collier County and several recommendations to address housing challenges. Collier County Community Needs and Assets Assessment – The 2017 survey, initiated by the Collier Community Foundation and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, provides a point-in-time overview of the challenges and opportunities in Collier County. Priced out of paradise – A report from the Collier Community Foundation on housing challenges facing Collier County. Commentary: Housing plan crucial to sustain Collier County workforce – Greater Naples Chamber President & CEO talks about the important role housing plays in sustaining Collier County’s workforce. Guest opinion: Affordable housing is a crisis in Collier County – Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Chair Joe Trachtenberg discusses recent housing challenges facing Collier County residents. Resources for housing seekers Housing Development Corporation of SW Florida (HELP) – Provides homebuyer education workshops, financial counseling, mortgage delinquency and default resolution counseling, and pre-purchase counseling. United Way of Collier and the Keys – Provides assistance through the free, confidential Collier 211 services. Hunger and Homeless Coalition of Collier County – Supports planning, delivery and coordination of services to hungry, homeless and those at risk of homelessness. Collier County Community & Human Services Division – Individual assistance programs – Annually, Collier County receives federal and state funding designated for housing assistance. The primary use for these funds is to help moderate, low and very low income households with their housing affordability needs. Florida Housing Corporation Housing Search – This is a free, state resource for renters and property managers in Florida. Resources for housing developers Collier County Community Land Trust – The Collier County Community Land Trust is a countywide community based non-profit organization founded in 2020 to create permanently affordable rental and homeownership opportunities for current and future residents in Collier. Collier County Community & Human Services Division – Developers incentives – Collier County offers a variety of incentives for developers interested in building affordable housing. |
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