By Miguel Octavio, WTSP
The Hillsborough County commission approved keeping some funding set aside for affordable housing.
It comes after previous pushback to allocate money from the nonprofit HOPE, which stands for the Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality. The decision became final during the final adoption of the county’s new fiscal year budget.
“My heart has been heavy,” said Co-President Dr. Sheila Simmons-Tribble.
Up to $2 million is expected to go to the county’s affordable housing department. Members of HOPE said they monitor how those funds are going out to the community.
The move comes after county commissioners voted in June to repeal the HOPE Affordable Housing Act. The act was enacted in 2019 and has historically received $10 million annually.
Last year, the majority of county commissioners voted to reduce the amount it would get to $2 million.
Opposing residents last year argued that taxpayers should not be responsible for paying for affordable housing. Some commissioners argued that the funding is needed for other crucial issues, including transportation needs, roads, and sidewalk repairs.
Simmons-Tribble said the funding has allowed the building of at least 1,100 affordable housing units and support vulnerable veterans, seniors and children.
The $12 billion budget for the next fiscal year covers essential needs, including funding for the sheriff’s office, fire rescue, emergency management and stormwater projects.
View the original story here.
