Orange County Allocates $58.5M for Urgent Affordable Housing Boost

BREAKING: Orange County Commissioners have just approved a groundbreaking allocation of $58.5 million to bolster efforts against the housing crisis, aiming to build and preserve 3,570 affordable housing units over the next three years. This urgent funding was unanimously endorsed last week for the county’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, now in fiscal years 2026 to 2028.

The funding is a critical lifeline for residents earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income (AMI). For context, an individual earning $59,050 annually qualifies as an 80% AMI resident. The initiative is expected to yield nearly 5,000 affordable residences when combined with federal and state contributions.

“This funding closes the gap on projects to secure the production and acquisition of affordable housing units,” stated Alyssa Henriquez, Assistant Project Manager for the county’s Housing and Community Development Division. The county’s approach relies heavily on gap financing, which allows them to supplement funding for affordable projects that may lack complete financial backing.

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund’s roots trace back to a 2019 action plan, aiming to create or preserve 11,000 affordable units by 2030. Since then, the trust fund has financed 2,367 units, with an additional 2,590 units generated through various funding streams.

In a significant move, Orange County voters made the trust fund permanent last year, starting with a $10 million investment and increasing by 10% annually. Projections indicate that the county will contribute about $17.7 million in 2026, escalating to around $21.3 million by 2028.

Mayor Jerry Demings emphasized the community effort needed to tackle housing affordability: “We have been able to close the affordability gap in this community, and we will continue to do so.”

Recent changes to the county code also exempt developers from impact fees for certified affordable housing projects, significantly reducing costs and expediting development timelines. For instance, the county granted a $2.2 million impact fee exemption for the Barnett Villas, a 156-unit community nearing completion in Pine Hills.

Projects like the Mariposa Grove, a planned 138-unit tower in downtown Orlando, are among those receiving critical funding. However, construction for the Mariposa Grove project remains pending as developers seek additional financing from the City of Orlando.

Meanwhile, the Osprey Sound community, a 100-unit project off Orange Blossom Trail, is set for groundbreaking later this month, showcasing ongoing momentum in the county’s affordable housing efforts.

With significant financial commitments and strategic planning, Orange County aims to tackle its housing crisis head-on. The emphasis on affordable housing is more than just numbers; it’s about providing homes for vulnerable communities and ensuring that residents have access to safe and secure living conditions.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Orange County continues to address its housing challenges.