St. Pete Catalyst; Published By Mark Parker
While Senate Bill 102 – known as the Live Local Act – increases state affordable housing funding, it also strips regulatory powers from city and county governments.
At the July 27 Committee of the Whole meeting, St. Petersburg City Council members heard how the recently enacted legislation will impact affordable housing initiatives. It eliminates public hearings and places approval authority in the hands of administrators, who must strictly follow state standards.
After the update, council members brainstormed potential solutions to circumvent land use, height and density regulation preemptions. City attorney Michael Dema concluded the discussion by suggesting they “manage expectations.”
“I’m just wondering how do we turn this into a good thing that keeps St. Pete special,” said Councilmember Gina Driscoll. “But work to our advantage in increasing the housing supply, which we all know is very much needed.” Read more
