Fort Walton Beach Resolution — 2025-01 Supporting OCHIP Reccomendation for NWFL Community Land Trust — reading text

RESOLUTION 2025- 1 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE OKALOOSA COUNTY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PARTNERSHIP' S ( OCHIP) RECOMMENDATION TO PARTNER WITH THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA COMMUNITY LAND TRUST TO ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY LAND TRUST IN OKALOOSA COUNTY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, Community Land Trusts ( CLTs) provide a sustainable model for acquiring and holding land to ensure long-term affordability in housing, supporting very low, low, and moderate -income individuals and families, as well as elderly residents and persons with disabilities; and WHEREAS, the cost of housing in Okaloosa County and the City of Fort Walton Beach continues to rise, creating financial strain on residents and limiting affordable housing options; and WHEREAS, other communities have successfully implemented CLTs as a strategy to acquire land, preserve affordability, and support homeownership while ensuring permanent community benefits; and WHEREAS, the support of a CLT that prioritizes community -driven oversight, responsible land stewardship, and equitable housing opportunities; and WHEREAS, the establishment of a CLT aligns with existing housing initiatives and provides an additional tool to promote sustainable, long-term housing affordability; and WHEREAS, the City recognizes the importance of public-private partnerships and will work with local organizations, housing stakeholders, municipal partners and Okaloosa County to explore financial mechanisms, land acquisition strategies, and governance structures for a successful CLT. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA: Section 1. The City supports the implementation of a Community Land Trust. Section 2. The City encourages Okaloosa County to establish a countywide community land trust and/or community-based community land trusts, including but not limited to establishing or collaborating with an established nonprofit organization engaged in the business of developing affordable housing in Okaloosa County;  RESOLUTION 2025- 1 Section 3. The City supports taking the appropriate steps to determine the availability of land and acquisition of land, including determining appropriate timelines; Section 4. The City supports assisting the Community Land Trust with financing mechanisms available through local, state, and federal agencies and private entities to finance the development, acquisition, or rehabilitation of existing properties, and review liens including but not limited to bond financing, tax credits, incremental property tax recapture, and General Fund commitment for possible relief or reduction. Section 5. The City supports other relevant means that may be considered for the development and implementation of a community land trust. Section 6. This Resolution shall become effective upon adoption by City Council and signature of the Mayor. Adopted: A A '2 4a n a iirz a_ Richard A. Rynearson, yor Attest: Approved o l orm and sufficiency for the Cit F alton Beach, only. J -- -- / ?, 7 -?"-, t ' Kim 1VI aures, City Cler Jeffrey B s, Attorney A( WACTpti