Page 16 - HB0822

Mayor’s Message

restricted to families with low to moderate incomes with a
requirement of seven-year residency. We added 15 more
properties in May.
The city looks for other ways to help as well. We will receive
$1.7 million this year in State Housing Initiatives Partnership
money and will use the majority of those funds to sponsor
affordable housing projects.
The city also operates a program to assist qualified
individuals make down payments, cover closing costs or
reduce principal on a home purchase.

There are restrictions set by the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development that a household of two seeking
assistance can earn no more than $58,050 and a family
of four can make no more than $72,550. The program is
limited to first-time homebuyers.
Individuals can receive up to $75,000 in down payment
assistance. This carries a 15-year lien that is forgiven if the
buyer remains in the home for that length of time. Three firms
manage this program for the city: the Housing Foundation
of America at 954-923-5001, Oasis of Hope at 954-586-
1283 and Debt Management Credit Counseling at 866-724-
3328.

One option that is frequently suggested to me is simply
beyond the city’s power. I often hear that the city should
impose rent control. The laws in Florida are far different
from places like New York and basically rule this idea out as
option for serious consideration.
Please know that affordable housing is a priority for myself
and the rest of the City Commission. We will continue
to work as hard as possible to keep Fort Lauderdale a
community welcoming to everyone. It’s a tough task, but we
are doing all we can to make a positive impact locally on
this national crisis. HB
Yours,
Dean Trantalis
Mayor, City of Fort Lauderdale

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