Just in the last few weeks, we witnessed a powerful and an historic win for working families who have been struggling to find affordable housing.

Sarasota County Commissioners voted unanimously to allocate $25 million in federal funds (American Rescue Plan Act) that will help build affordable housing throughout our communities. The investment of $25 million dollars will help build out nearly 700 affordable housing units. It is the single largest commitment in terms of investment in affordable housing and creation of number of units that has ever been made by the Sarasota County Commission. Again, historic.

A community-led coalition, spearheaded by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, worked for months to compile a list of recommended projects for the County Commission to consider. The recommendations were debated and eventually supported by the Sarasota County Commission. The goal is for this housing to remain affordable for years to come.  

We are grateful for leadership of the Sarasota County Commissioners. This is an example of a public-private partnership that should serve as a model for future collaborations on affordable housing. 

What is next? Sarasota County staff (charged with the implementation of the ARPA affordable housing funding) have contacted the nonprofits who are providers of the affordable housing. They have set up a debriefing meeting where important information will be provided about agreements and projects. 

Even with this historic progress, Gulf Coast and partners like Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation will continue to fight for our hard-working families who have been “priced-out” of homes. We need to recognize that every family in Sarasota needs a home that they can afford. We must reexamine our policies so that they create incentives to build more affordable housing. While we celebrate this tremendous success, we know affordable housing will remain a top priority for us for years to come.

Mark Pritchett is President and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.