Introducing The Ledger: June 2024 Edition
The Ledger is your source for the latest updates, stories, and insights on the Live Local Act (LLA) and its profound impact on affordable housing across Florida. Every month, we delve into the transformative projects, legislative updates and community voices that are shaping the future of housing for Florida’s workforce.
Stay informed with in-depth features on innovative developments, learn about implementation strategies of leading municipalities and explore the dynamic conversations within communities about urban planning and housing initiatives.
The Ledger is more than just a newsletter—it’s your gateway to understanding how policy and practice converge to create a more inclusive and affordable housing landscape in Florida.
Featured Story:
Harnessing the Power of LLA: Behind Miami's Laguna Gardens Project
The impact of LLA takes center stage as Miami's Laguna Gardens Project emerges as a beacon of affordable housing innovation. This story highlights how the legislation’s funding provisions have catalyzed the development of Laguna Gardens. Boasting 3,233 residences and soaring up to 37 stories high, the project aims to offer affordable living options while maximizing the site's utilization. With strategic planning and community engagement at its core, this proposed development exemplifies the transformative potential of LLA in shaping Miami's housing landscape. Full article here.
Spotlight:
Allora: Pioneering Workforce Housing in Largo Under LLA
Belleair Development Group and Trammell Crow Residential are teaming up to deliver Allora, Largo's first workforce housing project under LLA. Situated on a 15.5-acre parcel at 800 8th Avenue Southeast, Allora aims to address the area's housing crisis with 240 units in its initial phase, 40% of which will be designated as workforce housing. The collaboration between these two firms underscores a commitment to providing affordable housing solutions in Pinellas County, marking a significant step in tackling the region's housing challenges. Read the full article here.
Implementation Insights:
City of Miami Leads with Updated LLA Guidelines
The City of Miami has become the first municipality to publish updated guidelines on how the Act will be implemented locally. These updates provide crucial clarity on zoning, compliance, and incentives for developers and community stakeholders. This approach by Miami sets a precedent for other Florida municipalities, offering a valuable roadmap for leveraging LLA to address housing affordability and foster community growth. Read the full article here.
Community Voices:
Wynwood's 48-Story LLA Tower Faces Community Pushback
Recent developments in Wynwood showcase the complexities of urban planning and housing initiatives, as the proposed LLA tower by Bazbaz Development faces setbacks. Despite initial ambitions to leverage the Live Local Act to create a transformative 48-story tower, the project faces opposition as the local board votes against its approval due to concerns over its impact on the neighborhood's character and infrastructure. Full article here.
Legislative updates:
Florida's Live Local Act Enhances Mixed-Income Housing Development
LLA has been updated with new provisions to spur mixed-income housing development. SB 328 addresses gaps in the LLA by clarifying provisions and introducing enhancements. Notable amendments include provisions for additional floor area ratios, affirmations of height increases within specified radii, and parking reductions for transit-oriented projects. Furthermore, SB 328 allows flexibility for "for sale" units within qualifying developments and establishes protections regarding airport flight paths and military installations. Special incentives are also extended to the Florida Keys. For a deeper dive into these updates, check out the full article.
