Manatee County seeks applicants for seven seats on Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

Manatee County is accepting applications through Dec. 4 to fill seven open seats on its Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, the citizen panel that advises the Board of County Commissioners on ways to expand and preserve affordable housing for residents.

"Housing affordability is one of the most pressing issues facing families in Manatee County," said George Kruse, Manatee County District 7 at-large commissioner. "This committee gives builders, real estate professionals, employers, and residents a voice in the policies this board adopts, and I encourage anyone with that experience to apply."

The committee reviews local regulations, evaluates state-required incentive strategies, and recommends ways to reduce barriers to building and preserving affordable housing.

Five of the open seats are reserved for people working in affordable housing: a member of the residential home building industry (Seat 1), a representative of labor engaged in home building (Seat 3), a for-profit affordable housing provider (Seat 5), a real estate professional (Seat 7), and a member of the county's local planning agency under Section 163.3174, Florida Statutes (Seat 8).

The remaining two seats are open to a resident of unincorporated Manatee County (Seat 9) and a person who represents employers within the county (Seat 10). Terms for Seats 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 run through Dec. 31, 2028. Terms for Seats 8 and 10 run through Dec. 31, 2029.

Applications are available at www.mymanatee.org/advisory_boards. Applicants should select Affordable Housing Advisory Committee from the drop-down menu.

"Serving on an advisory committee is one of the most direct ways residents can help shape county policy," said Michael Strollo, communications coordinator for Manatee County Community and Veterans Services. "We want this committee to reflect the full range of people who build, sell, finance, and live in affordable housing here."

The committee meets on select Mondays throughout the year from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Manatee Room on the fifth-floor of 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton. Consistent attendance is required.

For more information, contact Deborah Ash, advisory board liaison, at 941-749-3029, ext. 3478, or deborah.ash@mymanatee.org.