Purpose

The purpose of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) is to present a report to the BOCC every three years on or before December 1st that includes recommendations, evaluations, and implementation of affordable housing in 11 specific areas. This Committee seeks local business professionals and residents of Okeechobee County, who actively seek ways to improve, encourage and facilitate affordable housing throughout the County. The Committee is responsible for recommending revisions or amendments to the Local Housing Plan, a plan that is periodically updated and approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The Committee works with the County SHIP Housing Coordinator and the State Housing Initiative Program. 

Created By

The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee was created under Okeechobee County Comprehensive Plan by Ordinance 96-01, Section 38.136(a); and Florida Statutes 420.9076.; and is considered a "B" Board.  

Membership Details/Requirements

• All members of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee shall be residents of Okeechobee County.
• The Committee consists of at least, but no more than 11 members who are actively engaged in at least six (6) of these categories:
  • A citizen who is actively engaged in the residential home building industry in connection with affordable housing.
  • A citizen who is actively engaged in the banking or mortgage banking industry in connection with affordable housing.
  • A citizen who is a representative of those areas of labor actively engaged in home building in connection with affordable housing.
    
  • A citizen who is actively engaged as an advocate for low-income persons in connection with affordable housing.
  • A citizen who is actively engaged as a for-profit provider of affordable housing.
  • A citizen who is actively engaged as a not-for-profit provider of affordable housing.
  • A citizen who is actively engaged as a real estate professional in connection with affordable housing.
  • A citizen who actively serves on the local planning agency pursuant to s. 163.3174. If the local planning agency is comprised of the governing board of the county or municipality, the governing board may appoint a designee who is knowledgeable in the local planning process.
  • A citizen who resides within the jurisdiction of the local governing body making the appointments.
  • A citizen who represents employers within the jurisdiction.
  • A citizen who represents essential services personnel, as defined in the local housing assistance plan. 

Appointment Terms

• The terms of the 11 members are appointed during a Board of County Commission meeting by the Commission to serve staggered two (2) year terms. 

Meetings Held

• AHAC meetings are usually convened a year before the report is due to the BOCC, then a meeting schedule is put into place to meet the time frame necessary to compete the report by its due date to the BOCC.  
• Location:  The William L. Hendry Courtroom, 304 NW 2nd Street, Room 270, Okeechobee

Is Financial Disclosure Required to Serve?

No

Board Coordinator

Lacy Granados, Affordable Housing Coordinator/SHIP 
Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners
1700 NW 9th Avenue, Ste C
Okeechobee, Florida 34972

Email: lgranados@okeechobeecountyfl.gov
Office: (863) 824-3078 

Download  Application at:  Citizen Advisory Board Application for Board Appointment - Revised Jan 2025 4873-2399-4285 v.1

To be considered for appointment to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, submit a completed application to the County Administrator’s Office.  An Okeechobee County Citizen Board/Committee application may be obtained from the County Administrator’s Office or downloaded from the Okeechobee County website. 

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