Residents and advocates urge Broward Housing Council to include nonprofit housing and community land trusts at fall workshop

During public comment, a string of residents and housing advocates urged the Broward Housing Council to prioritize nonprofit housing models and community land trusts (CLTs) in upcoming workshop planning.

Stefan Ramdua (a renter from Coral Springs and Florida Rising member) said high rents describe many households' reality: "We live in Coral Springs and 1-bedroom apartment paying $2,200," he said, and asked the council to examine nonprofit-owned and county-owned housing options that can remain permanently affordable. He cited out-of-state examples such as Montgomery County, Md., which he said designated $100,000,000 to a county housing-construction fund to support county-owned apartments.

Anastasia, a Fort Lauderdale resident and Florida Rising member, asked the council to consider county-owned properties placed into a CLT framework to preserve affordability and urged the council to invite community partners to workshop sessions.

Lucia Candiotti, a HUD-certified housing counselor, recommended expanding attention to rental affordability and shared-equity models and noted opportunities to engage lenders and nonprofits under community-reinvestment obligations.

Erica, a lifelong renter and Florida Rising supporter, framed housing as a rights issue and urged the council to examine nonprofit and municipally owned housing options to prevent displacement and long-term loss of community residents. Karen, a Pembroke Pines resident, described being priced out despite working full time and asked the council for help to keep long-term residents in place.

Chair Sue thanked the public commenters, said the council appreciated their input and confirmed that workshop-topic planning will be discussed at the June meeting with opportunities for advocates to participate.