Title
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2026 Local Government Area of Opportunity
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recommendation
Human Services
a) Consider the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) recommendation for LGAO preference and select the preferred development; and
b) Authorize a $340,000 Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) loan for selected applicants, contingent upon the award of FHFC RFA 2026-201; and
c) Authorize the Chairman to sign the required Verification of Contribution forms.
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Budgeted Action:
No action needed. A 4th quarter budget adjustment will be brought to the board for approval.
Background:
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Local Government Area of Opportunity (LGAO) is the method by which local governments have some say on where affordable housing developments will be built. It is designed by Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) so local governments have some "skin in the game" in 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) eligible developments. LGAO funding is a permanent source of funding, made available through the local Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). LGAO is a competitive process administered through the Charlotte HOME (Housing Opportunities Made Easier) program and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). An annual Request for Application (RFA) is issued to select a locally preferred applicant for the FHFC RFA. Local government can commit the LGAO funding to one application per RFA. Priority Goals to fund 6-7 medium-county projects in 2026. Permit ready projects receive priority boost within each funding goal. Continuous local support results in higher priority in RFAs. Murdock Square was awarded local preference in LGAO 2025.
Summary of LGAO 2026:
? 05.04.2026 County RFA issued; application deadline 06.05.2026; two (2) applications received
? Blue Deep Creek 2 - Punta Gorda (Deep Creek)
? Murdock Square - Port Charlotte
? 06.15.2026 Charlotte HOME Review Committee - open, public review and scoring of applications.
? 06.23.2026 AHAC - after much discussion...
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