Naples Florida Weekly
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County Commissioners are pricing families out of Collier

GUEST COMMENTARY



The acute lack of affordable housing for seniors, working middle- and low-income families was worsened last week, threatening the quality of life for all who live in Collier County.

Florida has no state laws limiting the amount that landlords may ask for rent and does not require a specific notice period before raising rent. Last October, Collier County Commissioners passed an ordinance giving renters 60 days written warning of rent increases. This past week, newly elected Commissioners repealed the ordinance, removing the time that renters had to look for alternative housing in a market with little affordable inventory and putting many back at risk of looming homelessness.

Many of Collier’s most essential workers already spend more than 50% of their income on housing and any increase prices them out of their homes. Increases without notice compound the problem, as searching for a new home and relocating impacts their jobs, commutes, changes in their children’s education, and income even further. They are forced to choose between living close to their jobs or moving to more affordable counties, taking their tax and commodity-spending revenue with them, and contributing to the rising traffic congestion. In addition to those of all ages on fixed incomes, our frontline workers, including emergency responders, health care providers, service workers, educators, and entry and mid-level professionals, are just some of those being forced out.

In 2017, County Commissioners directed the Urban Land Institute to perform a panel review of the housing situation in Collier County. That study concluded that Collier needed to reframe its view of housing to better meet the needs of the 40% of the population already living here that are spending more than what is affordable on housing. According to the Collier County Democratic Party, commissioners should prioritize engaging with all interested parties to enact solutions to this crisis.

“We call on our commissioners to represent all their constituents and reinstate the 60-day waiting period, giving working families the sufficient time they need to keep a roof over their heads. Affordable housing is a real and immediate crisis, and the 60-day ordinance is just one small thing that can make a difference to our vulnerable middle class,” said Jane Schlechtweg, chair of the Collier County Democratic Executive Committee. “We need our commissioners to demonstrate that working families are valuable, too.”

The Data: According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, affordable housing is an issue affecting over 81% of Floridians. 40% of Collier households struggle, with more than 61% of local jobs paying less than $33,250 per year and median home prices among the highest in the state. ¦

— The Collier County Democratic Party is fighting to make sure “we, the people” (all the people) have a chance to succeed. It stands with southwest Florida against the mantra of party over people. It is committed to listening to and amplifying your voice and working to address your concerns toward a future that works, for everyone. www.CollierDems.org.

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