Pam Coachman

This Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) outlines strategies for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Its primary objective is to preserve and increase the availability of affordable housing for very low- to moderate-income households within the City of Bradenton. The plan details the strategic approach the City will undertake to achieve these housing goals.

The meeting commenced with an invocation, moment of silence for Carol Felts, and the pledge of allegiance. A proclamation was read declaring March 9th through the 15th, 2026, as Flood Awareness Week. Staff presented plans for the awareness week, including distributing postcards and hosting a flood table at the Saturday morning market on March 14th to educate residents on flood zones, preparedness, and insurance, with the goal of increasing the Community Rating System (CRS) rating. Discussion also covered the excellent performance of the building official following severe 2024 storms. A major discussion point was Item 8A: the Purchase and Sale Agreement with PHBGF Ventures LLC for three surplus properties, formerly shuffleboard courts. This agreement is tied to future workforce housing development, including mixed-income units, and aims to significantly increase municipal revenue compared to the current $1 per year lease, while also aligning with downtown housing recommendations and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) plan. Item 6, the Consent Agenda, covering items A through K, was approved in a 5-0 vote, which included authorizing State Revolving Fund loan applications totaling approximately $54 million for clean water (wastewater) and drinking water infrastructure improvements.

The meeting addressed the consent agenda, which was approved unanimously. The primary discussion centered on approving the incentives agreement for the AMRES Investments LLC development at 500 15th Street West, a 320-unit multifamily mixed-use project. Key aspects discussed included a 15-year workforce housing commitment (15% of units designated for 80%-120% AMI), estimated CRA retention payments of over $4.5 million over 12 years, and the developer's estimated project cost of $175 million, suggesting $21 million in incentives over 12 years. The agreement incorporates add-on incentives for items like demolition, infrastructure, and public art. Concerns regarding project specificity, the ability to terminate the agreement if the project is sold before substantial completion, and the public accessibility of the waterfront area along Where's Creek were addressed by legal counsel and project representatives. The infrastructure add-on incentive was clarified as a mechanism to encourage the developer to assist with off-site improvements, such as low-pressure utility fixes.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. The primary agenda item was celebrating the Manatee County Fair, where representatives detailed plans for the 110th anniversary, themed around celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Key discussion points included acknowledging the extensive support from sponsors, the Manatee County Sheriff's Department, EMS, and the City of Palmetto to ensure a safe event. Details were provided regarding the youth livestock program, which includes 530 youth registered to show 779 animals and 233 plants, noting that preliminary shows for beef heifers had already occurred. Major fair events highlighted included the Queen Pageant winners, the Distinguished Citizen award recipient (Miss Norma Kennedy), and various entertainment schedules, contests (like the peaches donut eating contest), and sales (steer and swine sales). The presentation emphasized the mission to promote agricultural and economic strengths of Manatee County. Council members expressed appreciation for the dedication involved in organizing the event and inquired about the scholarship provided to the Fair Queen and the support provided to new youth livestock exhibitors.

The meeting began with an invocation and pledge, followed by the proclamation of 2026 as the Year of People with Disabilities, also known as 'Fix It in 26,' with community advocacy regarding inclusion and accessibility. Citizen comments addressed persistent traffic issues at an intersection, difficulties contacting the farmers market staff, and a disagreement regarding noise levels at an outdoor venue. A council member highlighted significant capital investments related to wastewater treatment infrastructure, specifically the equalization and reject tanks, funded substantially by direct appropriations from the legislature. Further discussion involved the progress on the Ironwood water distribution system project.