3.2: Create and retrofit housing that is good for the environment, safe, and builds communities
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Issue Statement and Context
Surveyed residents also consistently reported that they wanted housing that is good for the environment, safe, and builds communities. Most of the County’s public housing units are over 40-years-old and need rehabbing and modernization. Many of these older properties lack central air conditioning and will require substantial upgrades to their elevator, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
In August 2019, the Public Housing and Community Development Department (PHCD) secured a new funding source through its participation in the Rental Assistance Program (RAD) to renovate or redevelop the County’s oldest, most distressed public housing units. RAD provides significant safeguards for current residents, including a direct one-for-one replacement of public housing units and a guaranteed right of return for affected tenants. The County is seizing the opportunity to replace these units to also build mixed-income, mixed use communities that are resilient, safe, good for the environment, and positive anchors for the community, with new retail spaces that serve local residents.
Additionally, the County is working with civic groups, including the Miami Foundation and Achieve Miami, to enhance broadband Internet access in public housing sites across Miami-Dade. The County also recently launched a new preservation and rehabilitation program that renovates older privately-owned rental housing to provide quality housing opportunities to low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families.
In August 2019, the Public Housing and Community Development Department (PHCD) secured a new funding source through its participation in the Rental Assistance Program (RAD) to renovate or redevelop the County’s oldest, most distressed public housing units. RAD provides significant safeguards for current residents, including a direct one-for-one replacement of public housing units and a guaranteed right of return for affected tenants. The County is seizing the opportunity to replace these units to also build mixed-income, mixed use communities that are resilient, safe, good for the environment, and positive anchors for the community, with new retail spaces that serve local residents.
Additionally, the County is working with civic groups, including the Miami Foundation and Achieve Miami, to enhance broadband Internet access in public housing sites across Miami-Dade. The County also recently launched a new preservation and rehabilitation program that renovates older privately-owned rental housing to provide quality housing opportunities to low-, very low-, and extremely low-income families.
Detailed Action Summary
Implement or improve procurement criteria, design guidelines, and other policy measures to create more quality, resilient, and affordable opportunities:
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LEED certified, green design and construction, which includes energy-efficient features (e.g., w
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eatherization).Compliant with and, if possible, exceeding current codes.
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Create affordable housing opportunities that are green, and connected to water and sewer
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Create mixed-use developments that provide amenities for residents, meets their needs (e.g., supportive housing for older and disabled adults), and supports neighborhood vibrancy (e.g., affordable commercial spaces and storefronts for local businesses and entrepreneurs)
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Co-locate community services in affordable housing, including County services (e.g., affordable housing built on top of, or connected to, libraries and community centers)
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Promote the development of housing on vacant, derelict sites to promote neighborhood improvements that build public safety
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Identify, prioritize, and expand retrofits of substandard multifamily affordable housing.