Thanks to a proposal in the Legislature, Miami-Dade could provide more affordable housing | Opinion

When I was sworn in as Miami-Dade County commissioner, I vowed that creating and incentivizing affordable and workforce housing would be at the top of my to-do list.

It is no secret that our homes have become unaffordable. We have a huge supply shortage, and in my remarks, I said that we need to keep up with demand and find ways to make housing attainable so our workforce can continue to grow and thrive.

Those who live in our community should be able to live near where they work, whether that is making homeownership attainable or providing more affordable rental opportunities. This is not only important for cutting down on the time spent commuting, but also for improving residents’ quality of life, increasing the time they get to spend at home with their loved ones.

This is why I was thrilled to see Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo announce her priority legislation to address the dire need for affordable and workforce in the state, Senate Bill 102, the “Live Local” plan, sponsored by Sen. Alexis Calatayud in the Florida Legislature. Its companion, House Bill 627, is sponsored by Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera.

I support this legislation, as it includes significant additional funding for workforce and affordable housing, and provides additional tax incentives for homeowners. It also outlines specific regulations that local governments can act upon to reach the goal of creating more affordable and attainable housing options in our communities.

I’ve requested the county attorney to draft legislation that will: implement the property-tax exemption programs in the current draft of SB 102/HB 627; 2. require local governments to publish a list of the inventory of government-owned properties that may be suitable for affordable housing; and 3) ask local governments to have a public written policy outlining procedures for expediting permits.

Workforce and affordable housing is a top priority. We need provide resident’s more options. We can take action now, using the proposal put forth in SB 102 and HB 627, so that residents of all income levels and at all stages of life can find safe and secure housing that meets their needs and improves their quality of life.

We are taking measurable steps toward this goal by putting forth local legislation to implement the specific regulations that are outlined in the bills.

I thank Passidomo, Calatayud and Busatta Cabrera for leading on this issue at the state level, I look forward to doing the same on the local level with the “Live Local” plan, as well as other initiatives we can implement to provide affordable and workforce housing for our residents.

Anthony Rodriguez, who represents District 10, is vice chairman of the Miami-Dade Count Commission.