Workforce Housing Shortage

The Marco Island Chamber of Commerce has launched an initiative regarding the lack of workforce housing and to discuss possible solutions. 

On Thursday July 28, Marco Island Lutheran Church Pastor Thomas Boeck and Chamber Executive Director Dianna Dohm welcomed attendees to a Workforce Housing Seminar.

The Chamber of Commerce initiated the discussion by inviting Collier County District 1 Commissioner Rick LoCastro. LoCastro and three Collier County staff members addressed the challenges created by the rising cost of housing in the county.

Accompanying LoCastro were Collier County Planning Director Michael Bosi, Director of Community and Human Services Kristi Sonntag, and Public Transit Director Michelle Arnold. They cautioned that there would be no quick solution to the county’s housing problems, which have been growing over the last few decades. One of the obstacles they described is the “not in my neighborhood” opposition from residents when affordable housing projects are proposed near their affluent neighborhoods.

Adding to the problem is the loss of available inventory that had previously been utilized for workforce housing. Over the last six to 18 months, this housing has been converted into more lucrative short-term rentals. That inventory had previously served as a steppingstone into homeownership for many people in the middle-income marketplace.

Director of Community and Human Services Kristi Sonntag provided a packet of information about the county’s Housing Initiatives Programs, which are administered as part of the State Housing Initiative Program. The programs include purchase assistance loans, construction assistance, rehabilitation programs and demolition and replacement programs for manufactured housing.

Sonntag explained how her department assists the Collier County Housing Authority, which provides tenant based rental assistance. The programs provide qualifying individuals in need with rental subsidy, security deposits, utility deposits and moving costs. The Collier County Housing Authority can be reached at 239- 657-3649. The American Recovery Programs (239-450-2214) may also be of assistance to tenants and homeowners facing a wide range of issues.

Planning Director Michael Bosi advised that his department is working on issues surrounding the lack of affordable housing in Collier County. They are deeply involved in the development that is taking place throughout the county and are reviewing opportunities to provide affordable workforce housing and housing for moderate to middle-income families. This includes single-family homes, condominiums and rental properties. 

Bosi stated that development opportunities may take two years from the planning stage to turnkey completion, depending on the project’s size.

Marco Island Chamber of Commerce is creating a committee, comprised of local community leaders, to focus on finding potential solutions. The goal is to share the committee’s recommendations with the government leaders who are looking for ways to meet these challenges. The Chamber is seeking volunteers from the community to serve on the committee, such as Pastor Boeck, as they seek out ideas to present to local leadership.

Chamber Executive Director Dianna Dohm urged citizens and business owners with an interest in serving on the Chamber’s Workforce Housing project to contact her via email at dianna@marcoislandchamber.org for more information.