Agenda 04/26/2016 Item #16D 6 Proposed Agenda Changes
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
April 26, 2016
Add On Item 4E: Proclamation designating April 30,2016 as Comcast Cares Day in Collier
County,in recognition of Comcast's efforts to bring together more than 200 volunteers to beautify
the Cindy Mysels Park in East Naples. To be accepted by Justin Damian() representing Comcast;
Lois Ferguson representing Big Brothers Big Sisters; Hector Gonzalez representing Gulf Coast
Little League; and Susan McManus representing Champions For Learning. (Commissioner Fiala's
request)
Move Item 17B to Item 9A: Recommendation to approve(adopt)the Hibiscus Residential Infill
Subdistrict small-scale amendment to the Collier County Growth Management Plan,Ordinance 89-
05,as Amended,for transmittal to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. (Adoption
Hearing) (PL20150002354/CPSS-2015-2) [Companion to Petition PUDA-PL20150002326]
(Commissioner Fiala's request)
Move Item 17C to Item 9B: This item requires that ex parte disclosure be provided by
Commission members. Should a hearing be held on this item,all participants are required to be
sworn in. Recommendation to approve an Ordinance of the Board of County Commissioners of
Collier County,Florida amending Ordinance Number 2015-25,the Hibiscus Residential Planned
Unit Development,to increase the multi-family zoned height from 45 to 50 feet and the actual
height from 50 to 55 feet; and to increase the number of residential units allowed per building from
12 units to 16 units and to correct a scrivener's error on the Master Plan. The subject property is
located on the south side of Rattlesnake-Hammock Road at the intersection of Hibiscus Drive in
Section 19,Township 50 South,Range 26 East,Collier County,Florida,consisting of 7.9+/-acres;
and by providing an effective date (PUDA-PL20150002326) (Companion to PL20150002354/
CPSS-2015-3). (Commissioner Fiala's request)
Move Item 16D6 to Item 11G: Recommendation to accept the
preliminary needs assessment for setting spending priorities for the
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) entitlement grant
funds. (Commissioner Taylor's request)
Continue Item 16J2 Indefinitely until such time as the Clerk certifies that the payables presented in
this report have been pre-audited as previously specified by the Board: To provide the Board a
"Payables Report" for the period ending April 13,2016 pursuant to the Board's request.
(Commissioner Fiala's request)
Move Item 16E3 to Item 11H: Recommendation to award contracts under Request For Proposal
15-6521, "Information Technology On-Call Services"to two consultants: Executive Alliance Group,
Inc. and HyperTeam USA Business Consulting,Inc. to provide supplemental information
technology(IT) services on an as needed basis. (Commissioner Henning's request)
Proposed Agenda Changes
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
April 26, 2016
Page 2
Note:
Item 16J1: To record in the minutes of the Board of County Commissioners,the check number
(or other payment method),amount, payee,and purpose for which the referenced disbursements
were drawn for the periods between March 31 to April 13,20136 pursuant to Florida Statute
136.06. (Clerk's Minutes and Records Department request)
Commissioner Fiala will need to excuse herself from the meeting from 11:15 till after the lunch-
break.
Time Certain Items:
Item 11F to be heard at 9:45 a.m.
Item 14B1 to be heard at 10:00 a.m.
Item 10B to be heard at 11:00 a.m.
4/26/28168:51 AM
4/26/2016 16.D.6.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to accept the preliminary needs assessment for setting spending priorities for the
U.S.Housing and Urban Development(HUD) entitlement grant funds.
OBJECTIVE: To assure understanding of the process of identifying the spending priorities for the HUD
entitlement funding and establish the funding priorities to be incorporated into the Consolidated Plan for
future presentation to the BCC.
CONSIDERATIONS: Every five years, Collier County must prepare a strategic plan, known as the
Consolidated Plan. This strategic plan is to help local jurisdictions assess their affordable housing and
community development needs and market conditions, and to make data-driven, place-based investment
decisions. The consolidated planning process serves as the framework for a community-wide dialogue to
identify housing and community development priorities that align and focus funding from HUD. The
Consolidated Plan is carried out through Annual Action Plans, which provide a concise summary of the
actions, activities, and the specific federal and non-federal resources that will be used each year to address
the priority needs and specific goals identified by the Consolidated Plan. As part of this process, the
county will establish its funding priorities based on a needs assessment performed by an independent
firm. Collier's next Consolidated Plan is due this year, and will be officially presented to the BCC for
approval in June 2016. This plan development process is consistent with the direction given by the Board
on February 9, 2016 (Item 11E, formerly 16D4) to prioritize projects that address health, safety, and
welfare concerns, and also address needs in the County's CRA's. Accordingly, the needs assessment is
marked as"Draft".
The HUD programs that are covered by the Consolidated Plan include the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Program, the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program, and the
Emergency Solutions Grant(ESG)Program. Before discussing the priority setting process in more detail,
the below chart provides a summary of the key characteristics of the programs being discussed.
Program Uses Est.Annual Outcomes Income Levels Served
Allocation
CDBG Development of viable $2M *Meet 70%must be for those less
urban communities via National than 80%AMI
housing,public facilities, Objective
public services and
economic development.
HOME— Home purchase or rehab $450K total, Housing 90% of families can be no
Rental financing assistance; to be Units more than 60%AMI. (In
Housing and build or rehabilitate allocated projects with 5 or more
Rental housing for rent or between assisted units, at least 20%
Assistance ownership; site strategies of units must be occupied
acquisition or by families with incomes
improvement, demolition
<50%AMI)
of dilapidated;tenant
based rental assistance.
HOME— Same as immediately See above Housing Must not exceed 80%
Owner above Units AMI
occupied
units
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ESG— Homeless prevention $100K Availability Presumed low income due
Shelter through street outreach, to needing to be at shelter
Operational emergency shelter, rapid
Set Aside re-housing assistance, and
data collection
ESG— Same as immediately $70K Individuals Must be less than 30%
homelessnes above served AMI
s prevention
(rental
assist)
*The National Objective typically met is to meet the needs of low to moderate individuals (i.e. with
incomes less than 120%AMI). 70% of the CDBG funds must be spent on Low/Mod individuals.
Staff has prepared and attached a summary of the County's historical spending within each of the
programs,please see Exhibit 1 attached to this executive summary.
The Planning Process
When preparing a Consolidated Plan and related annual Action Plans, grantees must assess housing,
community development, and homeless needs within their jurisdictions. The Needs Assessment report
will serve as background for Collier County as it identifies funding priorities and related projects for the
2016-2017 program year. Needs Assessment findings will also be incorporated into the 2016-2020
Consolidated Plan as a means of developing goals and strategies to address priority housing, community
development, and homeless needs over the five-year term.
The Needs Assessment relies on demographic, economic, and housing data to identify top needs in
Collier County. It also draws heavily upon substantial community input collected through public
meetings, focus groups, interviews, and a survey. Summaries of quantitative and qualitative research
findings are provided, along with a synthesis of top housing, community development, and homeless
needs. The County conducted significant public outreach to garner input from county staff, government
agencies, affordable housing developers and managers, local service providers (not for profits), the
Collier County Housing Authority and many others. The County held four community meetings open to
the general public, conducted focus groups for low and moderate income individuals,and interviewed key
stakeholders in person and by phone. Additionally, 91 local residents and/or employers completed
surveys regarding community development and housing priorities.
The purpose of the Needs Assessment is to identify needs that are to be used in the development of
strategies and objectives for the 2016-2020 Consolidated Plan. Community meetings, interviews, focus
groups, and surveys were used to assist in obtaining comments and opinions from organizations and
residents of the County concerning housing, community development and homelessness needs. The full
report is attached for information on all data sources and community participation information.
While the Needs Assessment is not an exhaustive listing of all needs, it is intended to highlight priority
needs identified from data analysis and by residents and other stakeholders of the County. Based on the
quantitative and qualitative data presented in this document,top needs in Collier County include:
(1) Housing and Homelessness Needs
Increased access to affordable housing
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• Tenant based rental assistance
• Homeownership counseling and down payment assistance
• Support for the construction of new rental and for-sale affordable housing
Housing for Special Needs Populations
• Supportive housing for persons with developmental disabilities
• Senior and accessible housing
• Homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing
• Transitional housing with supportive services
(2) Community Development Needs
Public services
• Transportation assistance
• Youth programs
• English language classes and job/life skills training
Fair housing
• Fair housing education for landlords and residents, especially for special needs populations
including persons with limited English proficiency and migrant workers
Public Facilities and Infrastructure Improvements
• Construction of community centers,health care facilities, and public safety stations
• Improvements to public parks,libraries,and other facilities
• Demolition or redevelopment of blighted properties
• Infrastructure improvements in the Immokalee and Bayshore CRAs and in other communities
• Support for infrastructure related to affordable housing development
Further elaboration regarding the survey results is enclosed under Exhibit 2
The final needs assessment, Consolidated Plan and one year Action Plan will be brought to the BCC in
June 2016 for final approval.
The Application Process
Each year the County runs a competitive application process for grant fund allocation. The development
of the Consolidated Plan coincides with the annual grant application cycle every five years when the
Consolidated Plan is due. Based on this preliminary needs assessment, the FY 2016-2017 grant
application package identified the below types of projects the county would consider funding in this
upcoming year, pending any adjustments made by the BCC in the approval process. The project
applications are being reviewed and ranked and the slate of recommended projects will be brought to the
BCC for approval in June 2016 in the form of a draft Action Plan.
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CDBG HOME ESG
Tenant based rental assistance, Support for constructionNew construction, Homelessness
of new rental and for-sale affordable housing, Single family housing prevention and rapid
Supportive housing for persons with developmental unit rehabilitation, rehousing, Shelter and
disabilities, Senior housing,Transitional housing with Multi-family rental units Transitional Housing,
rehabilitation Tenant
supportive services,Homeownership counseling and Based Rental Assistance operational costs,
down payment assistance,Transportation assistance, Community Housing Homeless prevention
Youth programs,Fair housing education, Development(CHDO) activities,Emergency
Improvements to public parks, libraries,and other Set Aside Activities, shelter rehabilitation,
facilities, Support for infrastructure related to CHDO Operating Funds,renovation or
affordable housing development,Infrastructure Homebuyer Education conversion
improvements in the Immokalee and Bayshore CRAs
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact with this action.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote
for Board action. -JAB
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: Acceptance and implementation of this will further the Goals,
Objectives,and Policies of the Housing Element of the Growth Management Plan
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners approves the Preliminary Needs
Assessment for establishment of the priorities for the 2016-2021 Consolidated Plan and for the 2016
preliminary project selection.
Prepared By: Kim Grant,Director,Community and Human Services
Attachments:
Exhibit 1 Historic Spending
Preliminary Needs Assessment
Exhibit 2 Brief Summary of Research Supporting Priority Needs
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4/26/2016 16.D.6.
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.16.D.16.D.6.
Item Summary: Recommendation to accept the preliminary needs assessment for setting
spending priorities for the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) entitlement grant
funds.
Meeting Date: 4/26/2016
Prepared By
Name: AlonsoHailey
Title: Operations Analyst,Public Services Department
4/5/2016 11:13:35 AM
Approved By
Name: GrantKimberley
Title: Division Director-Cmnty&Human Svc, Community&Human Services
Date: 4/6/2016 2:23:30 PM
Name: AquinoLuqueBlanca
Title: Accountant, Senior,Community&Human Services
Date: 4/6/2016 2:31:10 PM
Name: AlonsoHailey
Title: Operations Analyst,Public Services Department
Date: 4/7/2016 4:03:26 PM
Name: TownsendAmanda
Title:Division Director-Operations Support,Public Services Department
Date: 4/11/2016 9:39:03 AM
Name: RobinsonErica
Title: Accountant, Senior,Grants Management Office
Date: 4/11/2016 10:16:09 AM
Name: BelpedioJennifer
Title: Assistant County Attorney, CAO General Services
Date: 4/11/2016 3:43:02 PM
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Name: CarnellSteve
Title: Department Head-Public Services,Public Services Department
Date: 4/12/2016 1:28:05 PM
Name: KlatzkowJeff
Title: County Attorney,
Date: 4/14/2016 12:06:43 PM
Name: StanleyTherese
Title: Manager-Grants Compliance, Grants Management Office
Date: 4/14/2016 12:31:41 PM
Name: CasalanguidaNick
Title: Deputy County Manager, County Managers Office
Date: 4/15/2016 3:48:15 PM
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Exhibit 1. Historical Spending
CDBG
Rental
F
Assistance air Housing,
Admin, $5,970.69,0% 2011-2016
$30,000.00, 1% Project Delivery,
Economic $22,670.18,0% ($7M)
Development,
$97,882.25, 1%
Public Services,
$543,174.58,8%
Public Facilities,
Housing $2,830,729.13,
Programs, 40%
$741,410.88,
11%
Acquisition,
$1,356,138.00,
19% t' Admin,
$1,394,380.81,
20%
HOME
Project
Delivery, Expenditures
Admin, $3,695.32,0% Rent Assist, 2011-2016
$231,149.11, $252,9 .00,
($1.73M)
CHDO,
$185,400.91,
11%
Rental
Acq/Rehab,
Rental $408,190.60,
Develop, 23%
$651,723.33, ' �
38%
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Admin, ESG
$44,405.00,9%
Disbursements
Homeless 2011-2016
Prevention,
$83,796.00, ($467K)
18%
s sfi v '
Shelter
Operations,
$339,089.76,
73%
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Exhibit 2. Brief Summary of Research Supporting Priority Needs
(1) Housing and Homelessness Needs
Increased access to affordable housing
• Tenant based rental assistance
• Homeownership counseling and down payment assistance
• Support for the construction of new rental and for-sale affordable housing
The most common need identified by interviewees and community meeting participants was affordable
housing, including both rental and for-sale housing. Almost all interviewees listed affordable housing
as an issue in the county. In Naples,they described difficulties securing housing for low and moderate
income groups (including many tourism industry workers), as well as middle income households and
persons employed in healthcare, education, and social service professions. A lack of rental housing and
apartments was also noted. In Immokalee, stakeholders mentioned affordability issues for migrant
farmworkers and their families, many of whom have limited English proficiency. Public meeting
participants also described a lack of options and assistance for households looking to move out of rental
units/mobile homes and into homeownership.
Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) and National Low Income Housing Coalition
data supports stakeholders' comments. Forty percent (40.0%) of all households in the county have a
housing cost burden(i.e., spend over 30% of their income on housing). Looking specifically at low and
moderate income households, over 90% of both renters and owners are cost burdened; more than 35%
are severely cost burdened(i.e., spend over half of their income on housing). The National Low Income
Housing Coalition estimates that a minimum wage worker would need to work 76 hours per week to
afford a one-bedroom apartment at Collier County's fair market rent of$795, and 95 hours per week to
afford a two-bedroom unit.
When asked to identify specific housing needs, survey participants ranked new construction of
affordable rental units, down payment assistance, and tenant based rental assistance as the highest
priorities. Each were listed as high needs by more than 60% of respondents.
Housing for Special Needs Populations
• Supportive housing for persons with developmental disabilities
Comments from stakeholders in both interviews and public meetings indicated a need for supportive
housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. Input revealed a low availability of housing
options to meet difficulty with mobility. It was reported that many residents with developmental
disabilities remained living in the home of their parents or other family members due to a lack of
supportive housing services. In the community survey, over half(56.6%) of respondents reported that
services for the disabled was a high need in the County, while over one third (38.1%) identified it as a
moderate need.
• Senior and accessible housing
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Over 60% of stakeholders interviewed reported that Collier County does not have enough senior
housing. Stakeholders described a long waiting list to obtain affordable housing for seniors and
reported that most housing was not accessible to persons with disabilities including mobility, sight, and
hearing disabilities, along with memory care. A study on issues affecting seniors in Collier County
identified social isolation as a key negative outcome impacting seniors that could be ameliorated with
more supportive housing services. In the community survey, more than half(55.1%) of respondents
reported that senior housing was a high need for the county and more than one-third (35.9%) of
respondents identified it as a moderate need. Similarly, over half(51.8%) of respondents described
senior services as a high need and over a third(38.2%)described it as a moderate need.
• Homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing
In the community survey, 65.4% of respondents identified homelessness prevention as a high need and
29.5% described it has a moderate need. The vast majority of respondents (70:1%) identified housing
with supportive services as a high need while 20.8% described it as a moderate need. Stakeholder
interviews and input supported the results of the community survey with requests made for prevention
services and rapid rehousing with supportive services that would include temporary financial assistance
with rent or application fees, substance abuse counseling and education,and case management.
• Transitional housing with supportive services
Transitional housing with supportive services to aid homeless residents, including those with substance
abuse_issues,was identified by stakeholders and residents as a need. Education and services to aid with
substance abuse issues was identified as a high need by 54.4% of the community survey respondents.
(2)Community Development Needs
Public services
• Transportation assistance
Over 75% of stakeholder interviews identified transportation assistance as a community need. Input
identified several concerns with public transit including difficulty with getting insurance to cover
paratransit, limited hours and locations, and the increased cost of public transit. Input from focus
groups and community meetings described issues with transportation as limiting childcare,
employment, educational, and housing opportunities. In the community survey, 70.1% of respondents
reported that public transportation was not evenly distributed across the County.
• Youth programs
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Another common community development need identified in interviews was youth programs and
activities. Over half of survey respondents (53.8%) identified youth activities as a high need, and
36.3% identified them as a moderate need. Additionally, a survey previously conducted of Immokalee
residents and stakeholders identified a lack of activities for children and teens as the number one need
related to education and youth. Public meeting participants also brought up the need for more youth
programs, longer hours, and general facility improvements at the library and parks/sports fields in
Immokalee.
• English language classes and job/life skills training
In Immokalee, a key need identified by interview, focus group, and community meeting participants
was English language and other classes. Concentrations of Creole- and Spanish-speaking residents,
including many who are low income, will provide continued demand for English language classes.
Other training identified as a need by Immokalee residents/stakeholders includes financial literacy and
job skills training.
Fair housing
• Fair housing education for landlords and residents, especially for special needs populations
including persons with limited English proficiency and migrant workers
Information from key stakeholders indicated a need for increased education around issues related to fair
housing for both landlords and residents of Collier County. In the community survey, nearly 1 in 5
(18.8%) of respondents reported experiencing housing discrimination and the majority reported that
this discrimination was related to their race (33.3%), ethnicity (25.0%), or national origin (16.6%). Of
respondents who experience discrimination, over 70%reported that they were discriminated against by
a landlord. Additionally, 55.8% of respondents identified lack of knowledge regarding fair housing
rights by residents as a barrier to fair housing, while 48.0% of respondents identified lack of fair
housing by landlords and property owners as a barrier to fair housing.
Public Facilities and Infrastructure Improvements
• Construction of community centers,health care facilities,and public safety stations
• Improvements to public parks,libraries,and other facilities
In the public survey conducted as part of this plan development process, respondents were asked to
rank public facility needs in the County as high, moderate, or low need. The top three needs ranked as
high need were community centers (ranked high by 57.3% of respondents), health care facilities
(48.2%), and public safety officers (46.3%). Parks,libraries, and other public facilities also represented
needs described by residents who were engaged in this needs assessment.
• Demolition or redevelopment of blighted properties
• Infrastructure improvements in the Immokalee and Bayshore CRAs and in other communities
• Support for infrastructure related to affordable housing development
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Over 35% of respondents to the public survey rated demolition or redevelopment of blighted properties
as a high need. Another 42% of respondents rated this a moderate need.Needs for sidewalks and street
lighting, were determined based on a review of prior studies conducted by the Collier Metropolitan
Planning Organization. County staff in the Growth Management Department confirmed these as needs.
The preliminary needs assessment document has extensive information supporting the priority
needs of the community.
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Collier County Needs Assessment
For Program Years 2016-2020
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Draft: February 29, 2016
Prepared for
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Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Socioeconomic Overview 4
Population Dynamics 4
Economic Overview 5
Housing and Homeless Needs 8
Housing Stock Characteristics 8
Housing Needs 11
Homeless Needs 14
Public Facilities and Infrastructure Needs 16
Public Facilities Needs 16
Infrastructure and Public Improvement Needs 16
Special Population Needs 18
Community Participation Results 20
Community Meetings 20
Stakeholder Interviews 22
Focus Groups 26
Survey of County Residents 27
Conclusions 34
2
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Introduction
Every five years, Collier County must prepare a strategic plan, known as the Consolidated
Plan, to govern the use of federal housing and community development grant funds that it
receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). At about the
same time that the County prepares a new Consolidated Plan, it must also submit to HUD an
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) examining any potential barriers to
housing choice based on protected class. Federally protected classes include race, ethnicity,
national origin,religion, sex, familial status, and disability status.
The grant funds received from HUD by the County that are covered by the Consolidated Plan
include the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, the HOME Investment
Partnerships (HOME) Program, and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program.
The County must also submit to HUD separate Annual Action Plans for each of the five years
during the Consolidated Plan period. The Annual Action Plans serve as the County's yearly
applications to HUD and are required to receive annual allocations from the three grant
programs. Annual grant award amounts are determined by a formula administered by HUD,
and may change slightly from year to year.
When preparing a Consolidated Plan and related Action Plans,grantees must assess housing,
community development, and homeless needs within their jurisdictions. This Needs
Assessment report will serve as background for Collier County as it identifies funding
priorities and related projects for the 2016-2017 program year. Needs Assessment findings
will also be incorporated into the 2016-2020 Consolidated Plan as a means of developing
goals and strategies to address priority housing, community development, and homeless
needs over the five-year term. Finally,the report also identifies potential issues and barriers
that may affect housing choice in the County.
Under HUD's grant program regulations, Collier County may use its HUD grant funds in the
unincorporated portions of the County, as well as within incorporated cities that cooperate
with the County for the purpose of receiving HUD grant awards. Of its three incorporated
cities, only Naples currently partners with the County to use HUD grant funds; Marco Island
had previously participated,but opted out as of 2012.
The Needs Assessment relies on demographic, economic, and housing data to identify top
needs in Collier County. It also draws heavily upon substantial community input collected
through public meetings, focus groups, interviews, and a survey. Summaries of quantitative
and qualitative research findings are provided, along with a synthesis of top housing,
community development,and homeless needs.The appendices lists agencies that gave input
for the needs assessment and provides the complete results of the community survey.
3
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Socioeconomic Overview
This section presents demographic and economic information collected from the Census
Bureau, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other sources.
Data was used to analyze a broad range of socioeconomic characteristics, including
population growth, age, employment, income, and poverty. Ultimately, the information
presented in this section helps illustrate the underlying conditions that have shaped housing
and community needs in the county.
To supplement 2000 and 2010 census data, information for this analysis was also gathered
from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The ACS data covers similar
topics as the decennial counts, but also includes data not appearing in the 2010 census such
as household income and poverty. The key difference in these datasets is that ACS data
represents samples as opposed to a 100 percent count; however, population distributions
from the ACS data can be compared to those from the census.
P Dukr Lion Dynamics
Collier County is the 17th largest county by population in the state of Florida and has
approximately 1.7% of the state's overall population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau,
its 2014 estimated population is 348,777. As of 2010, the County estimated an additional
65,000 to 72,000 residents during season (from October to May).
Population growth for the county has remained steady,growing at a rate of 27.9% between
2000 and 2010 and 8.5%between 2010 and 2014.The projected population growth rate by
2020 is slightly less than 10.0% (9.6%).Table 1 below shows the population count in Collier
County, as drawn from the 1990, 2000, and 2010 censuses and the 2014 American
Community Survey.
Table 1. Population Change in Collier County, 1.990-2020
1990 2000 2010 2014
Population 152,099 251,377 321,520 348,777
Growth Rate 65.3% 27.9% 8.5%
Source: 1990,2000,and 2010 U.S.Census and American Community Survey 2014 1-Year Estimates
Population by Age
The population of Collier County can be characterized as older than the overall population
of Florida and the U.S. with a median age of 47.9 years in 2014, compared to 41.3 years for
the state of Florida and 37.0 for the nation. In 2014, residents over the age of 65 accounted
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for over a quarter of the County's population (29.7%). Approximately 1 in 5 residents
(18.3%) were under the age of 5.
Population by Race
While the majority of Collier County residents were non-Latino white(64.2%)as of ACS 2014
estimates,the rates of diverse populations have steadily increased, according to the Census
Bureau. The Latino population grew by 301.2% in the decades between 1990 and 2010,
while the African American population rose by 196%.
The growth of the Latino population in the county is anticipated to continue its upward
trend, increasing at an annual rate of approximately 2.3% between the years of 2010 and
2040 to surpass 160,000. The number of individuals who speak a language other than
English in the home was 31%in 2010.
Figure 1. Population by Race and Ethnicity
1.2%I 0%
f N White
L,Latino
African American
Asian
: ■Other
26.7%
'.f
is
64.2%
Source:U.S.Census Bureau 2014 1.-Year American Community Survey Table B03002
Economic O ;`i of
Labor Force and Total Employment
Data regarding the labor force, defined as the total number of persons working or looking
for work, and employment, or the number of persons working, as gathered from Bureau of
Labor Statistics estimates are presented below. As shown, labor force and employment
figures in the County reflects a gradual decline in the unemployment rate since 2011.
5
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Table 2.Unemployment Rates in Collier County
Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Unemployment Rate 8.7% 7.5% 5.7% 4.9% 4.6%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Local Area Unemployment,http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/dsry?la
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, major private-sector employers in the county
included Naples Community Hospital, Publix Supermarkets, and Walmart. As of 2014, the
top employment industries in the county,based on percentage of employment for the overall
workforce,were:
1. Leisure and Hospitality (19.7%)
2. Trade Transportation,and Utilities (19.3%)
3. Educational and Health Services (14.3%)
4. Professional and Business Services (10.5%)
5. Government (9.7%)
6. Construction (9.2%)
7. Financial Activities(5.6%)
8. Other Services (4.5%)
9. Natural Resource and Mining (3.4%)
10. Manufacturing (2.6%)
11. Information (1.1%)
Annual wages for the top employment industries for 2014 were:
1. Financial Activities $86,624
2. Information$64,982
3. Professional and Business Services $57,024
4. Government$51,534
5. Manufacturing$ 49,064
6. Educational and Health Services $48,286
7. Construction $ 42,501
8. Trade,Transportation and Utilities $37,285
9. Other Services $32,623
10. Leisure and Hospitality$28,801
11. Natural Resource and Mining$25,894
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Income and Earnings Dynamics Overview
Income and earning dynamics are important to assessing community needs related to ability
to access housing, healthcare, food, and other quality of life indicators. Collier County's cost
of living is slightly higher than the Florida state average. The price level index for 2013 was
100.28, compared to the Florida state average set at 100. Personal per capita income for
2014 was $73,869,while median household income was $56,250 and median family income
was $65,373.
While Collier County is one of the wealthiest counties in Florida, with a per capita income
that is approximately 1.4 times that of the state,there are significant poverty indicators and
geographic areas of poverty.Four Collier communities have per capita incomes ranging from
$9,496 to $24,556, according to the 2010 Census: Immokalee and three communities in the
Greater Naples area (Naples Manor, Golden Gate City,and Naples Park).Additionally, Collier
County has 5 zip codes designated as Low Income Areas by U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (34142, 34114, 34104, 34113,and 34116).
Between 1989 and 2009, the number of persons living in poverty increased 56% in the
county. Children under the age of 18 years living in poverty increased by 138% for this 20
year period, compared to an overall increase of 44% in the state of Florida. The use of
entitlements also increased during the time between 1990 and 2010.According to the USDA,
the use of the Women,Infants,and Children's (WIC) Nutrition Program,which provides food
and nutritional assistance to pregnant and new mothers and children through 5 years of age,
increasing by over 174%.
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Housing and Homeless Needs
This housing need assessment presents a snapshot of current housing conditions in Collier
County, including characteristics of the housing stock, housing cost and affordability,
subsidized housing locations,and the availability of accessible housing.
Housing Stock Characteristics
According to the 2010-2014 American Community Survey, there are an estimated 199,818
housing units in Collier County, an increase of 38.2% since 2000. Over one-third of these
homes are vacant(36.8%),well above the national vacancy rate of 12.5%.As Table 3 shows,
the county's supply of seasonal housing is the driving factor behind its high vacancy rate -
more than three-fourths of vacant units are for seasonal, recreational, or other occasional
use. Other vacancies, however, did increase significantly since 2000, by 149.8% in
comparison to 22.7% for occupied housing units.
Table 3. Housing Units by Occupancy Status in Collier County
98 + 3k
Total Housing Units 144,536 199,818 38.2%
Occupied Housing Units 102,973 126,331 22.7%
Vacant Housing Units 41,563 73,487 76.8%
For Seasonal, Recreational,Occasional Use 34,337 55,438 61.5%
Other Vacant Units 7,226 18,049 149.8%
Vacancy Rate 28.8% 36.8% +8.0 points
Sources:U.S.Census 2000 SF1 Tables H003 amp H005;2010-2014 5-Year American Community Survey
Tables B25002 and B25004
The large majority of housing in Collier County is owner-occupied - 72.9% compared to
64.4% in the U.S (see Table 4). Exactly half of homes are single family detached and 37.7%
are multifamily(2 or more units).While the share of multifamily housing is above that of the
nation (25.9%), it is notable that owner-occupied housing outnumbers rental housing for
every structure type. Condominium units (i.e., owner-occupied housing with more than 5
units per structure) make up 15.1% of housing in Collier versus 2.1%in the U.S.
Variety in terms of tenure and structure type is important in providing housing options to
meet the needs of all residents, including low-income, elderly, persons with disabilities, and
other special needs populations. Multifamily housing, including rental apartments, are often
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more affordable than single-family homes for low- to moderate-income households and
those with fixed incomes. Multifamily units may also be the preference of elderly and
disabled householders who are unable or do not desire to maintain a single-family home.
Table 4.Housing Units by Structure Type in Collier County,2010-2014
Units in Owner Renter Total
Structure Number Share Number Share Number Share
1, detached 54,714 59.4% 8,429 24.6% 63,143 50.0%
1,attached 7,115 7.7% 1,998 5.8% 9,113 7.2%
2 to 4 6,536 7.1% 5,804 16.9% 12,340 9.8%
5 to 9 5,833 6.3% 5,439 15.9% 11,272 8.9%
10 to 49 8,875 9.6% 8,332 24.3% 17,207 13.6%
50 or more 4,376 4.8% 2,484 7.2% 6,860 5.4%
Mobile home 4,444 4.8% 1,779 5.2% 6,223 4.9%
Other 165 0.2% 8 00% 173 0.1%
Total 92,058 100.0% 34,273 100.0% 126,331 100.0%
Sources:U.S.Census 2010-2014 5-Year American Community Survey Table B25032
The age of an area's housing stock can have substantial impact on housing conditions and
costs. As housing ages, maintenance costs rise, which can present significant affordability
issues for low-and moderate-income homeowners.Aging rental stock can lead to rental rate
increases to address physical issues, or deteriorating conditions if building owners opt to
defer maintenance. Additionally, homes built prior to 1978 present the potential for lead
exposure risk due to lead-based paint.
The figure on the following page shows the age of housing stock for Collier County. The
largest share of homes were built during the 1990s (29.3%),followed by the 1980s (26.7%).
In comparison to national figures,Collier County's housing stock is much newer.One-quarter
of homes in the county were built since 20001 versus 15.9% of those nationwide. Homes at
elevated risk for lead hazard exposure (those built before 1980) are 18.7% of the county's
stock versus over half(56.3%) across the U.S.
1 Age of housing estimates for Collier County and the state of Florida are taken from the 2010-2014 American
Community Survey,which collects data over a five-year time frame to reduce sampling error.Because figures
reflect data collected from 2010 to 2014, the estimated number of housing units built since 2010 (1,227 in
Collier County) is likely lower than the actual number of recently-built units. The 2014 1-year American
Community Survey estimate (reflective of data collected in 2014 only)puts the number of housing units built
since 2010 in Collier County at 2,248.
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Figure 2.Age of Housing in Collier County
2010. to present 1,227
2000-2009 49,313
1990-1999 58,552
`..• 1980-1989
� 53,27.1
• 1970-1979 �. 25,876
cD• 1960-1969 7,816
1950-1959 ® 2,507
Before 1950 1,252
0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000
Number of Housing Units
Source: U.S.Census Bureau 2010-2014 5-Year American Community Survey Table B25034
One of the most important aspects of any jurisdiction's housing stock is the cost associated
with owning or renting a home. Stakeholder input overwhelmingly indicated high housing
costs as an issue for low- and moderate-income households, as well as middle-income
households, including persons employed in education, healthcare, and social assistance
industries. Figure 3 below identifies housing costs for households by tenure in Collier
County. For owners, monthly housing costs include mortgages, real estate taxes, various
insurances, utilities/fuels, mobile home costs, and condominium fees. For renters, costs
include contract rent plus utilities.
For owners, the most common range of monthly housing costs is over $2,000 (23.8%),
followed by $1,000 to $1,499 (19.4%) and $1,500 to $1,999 (13.0%). Together, these cost
ranges comprise over half of Collier County owner households. Note that this distribution
includes owners with and without a mortgage; lower cost ranges likely represent a large
number of owners who do not have mortgages.
Looking at renters, one-third pay between $1,000 and $1,499 for monthly housing costs.
Thirteen percent spend between$900 and$999 and another 13% spend between$800 and
$899. Only 5.9% of renters pay less than $500 for housing, indicating a limited supply of
housing at the lower priced end of the spectrum,as stakeholders identified. The next section
takes a more in-depth look at issues of housing affordability in Collier County.
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Figure 3.Monthly Housing Costs in Collier County
Under$300
$300-$399
$400-$499
$500-$599
$600-$699
$700-$799
$800-$899 .`.
0
$900-$999
$1,500-$1,999
$2,000 or more
0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0%
Share of Households
r Owner Households •Renter Households
Source: U.S.Census Bureau 2010-2014 5-Year American Community Survey Tables B25094 and B25063
Housing Needs
To assess affordability and other types of housing needs, HUD identifies four housing
problems:
1. A household is cost burdened if monthly housing costs (including property taxes,
insurance, energy payments, water/sewer service, and trash collection for owners and
utilities for renters) exceed 30% of monthly household income. A severe cost burden
occurs when more than 50% of monthly household income is spent on monthly housing
costs.
2. A household is overcrowded if there is more than 1.0 persons per room, not including
kitchens and bathrooms.A household is severely overcrowded if there are more than 1.5
persons per room, not including kitchens or bathrooms.
3. A housing unit lacks complete kitchen facilities if it lacks one or more of the following
facilities: cooking facilities, a refrigerator, or a sink with piped water.
4. A housing unit lacks complete plumbing facilities if it lacks one or more of the following
facilities: hot and cold piped water, a flush toilet, and a bathtub or shower.
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To assess housing need, HUD receives a special tabulation of data from the U.S. Census
Bureau's American Community Survey that is largely not available through standard Census
products. This data, known as the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS)
data, counts the number of households that fit certain combinations of HUD-specified
criteria, such as housing needs by income level, race, and ethnicity. CHAS data for low- and
moderate-income households in Collier County (households with incomes of 80% area
median income or less) is provided below.
Table 5. Households with One or More Housing Needs by Income for Collier County
Renter Households Owner Households
Income
Withhae With . Share
Total with Total with
Needs Needs Needs Needs
Up to 30%AMI 4,495 5,620 80.0% 4,965 6,380 77.8%
31%to 50%AMI 4,180 5,025 83.2% 5,690 7,760 73.3%
51%to 80%AMI 5,060 6,995 72.3% 7,545 13,230 57.0%
Total up to 80%AMI 13,735 17,640 77.9% 18,200 27,370 66.5%
Source:2008-2012 CHAS
Note: As of 2015, the median income for the Naples-Marco Island MSA (which includes Collier County) was
$66,500.
According to the 2008-2012 CHAS data (Table 5), there are an estimated 13,735 low- and
moderate-income renter households and 18,200 low- and moderate-income owner
households with one or more housing needs in Collier County. Over three-fourths of renters
with incomes under 80%AMI have at least one housing need, as do two-thirds of owners.
By far the most common housing needs are cost burdens, as Table 6 shows. Of the low- and
moderate-income housing needs populations shown,94.0% of renters and 97.9%of owners
spend at least 30% of their income on housing. Owners make up a larger share of the cost
burdened population at 27,370 households (a rate of 65.1%) but renters are more likely to
face a cost burden (with a rate of 73.2%).
Severe cost burdens affect a smaller but still sizeable share of low/moderate income
households - 37.0% of renters and 42.1% of owners. Combined there are a total of 18,045
households with incomes below 80% AMI spending more than half of their income on
housing.
While HUD funds are primarily targeted to households with incomes below 80%AMI,higher
income bands are also provided in Table 6 to assess other potential housing issues in Collier
County. It is typically assumed that those with incomes above 80% AMI have access to
enough housing options to secure a unit for less than 30% of their annual income, and thus,
that cost burdens at these income levels are results of choice rather than of a limited supply
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of appropriately affordable housing. Community input, however, indicates that Collier
County's high housing costs may preclude many middle income households,including those
employed in education, healthcare, and social assistance industries, from affording housing.
The data from Table 5 suggests support for these claims-over one-third of renters and two-
fifths of owners with incomes from 81%-100%AMI have a cost burden. One-fifth of owners
have a severe cost burden.
Looking at all households in Collier County regardless of income or tenure, 40.0% spend
more than 30% of their income on housing costs. Of those, about half (or 19.3% of all
households) are severely cost burdened.
Table 6. Households Cost Burdens and Severe Cost Burdens by Income for Collier County
Renter Households Owner Households
Income Share Share
With Cost With Cost
Total with Cost Total with Cost
Burden Burden Burden urden
Housng,Cost$Burdens
Up to 30%AMI 4,310 5,620 76.7% 4,920 6,380 77.1%
31%to 50%AMI 3,930 5,025 78.2% 5,575 7,760 71.8%
51%to 80%AMI 4,675 6,995 66.8% 7,315 13,230 55.3%
81%to 100%AMI 1,170 3,380 34.6% 3,765 8,740 43.1%
Over 100%AMI 1,100 8,840 12.4% 11,625 54,965 21.1%
Total 15,185 29,860 50.9% 33,200 91,075 36.5%
Total up to 80%AMI 12,915 17,640 73.2% 17,810 27,370 65.1%
severe l ousing'Cost Burl
Up to 30%AMI 3,785 5,620 67.3% 4,275 6,380 67.0%
31%to 50%AMI 1,760 5,025 35.0% 3,565 7,760 45.9%
51%to 80%AMI 990 6,995 14.2% 3,670 13,230 27.7%
81%to 100%AMI 290 3,380 8.6% 1,680 8,740 19.2%
Over 100%AMI 330 8,840 3.7% 3,050 54,965 5.5%
Total 7,155 29,860 24.0% 16,240 91,075 17.8%
Total up to 80%AMI 6,535 17,640 37.0% 11,510 27,370 42.1%
Source: 2008-2012 CHAS
Housing Affordability
The National Low Income Housing Coalition's annual Out of Reach report examines rental
housing rates relative to income levels for counties and metro areas throughout the U.S. The
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figure below shows annual household income and hourly wages needed to afford Fair Market
Rents (FMRs) in Collier County for one,two, and three bedrooms units.
Figure 4. Required Income,Wages, and Hours to Afford Fair Market Rents in Collier County,
2015
Housing Costs ft Required wag for: 40 ;ours at Hours at Avg.
(Fair Market Rents) ,.,.Annual Income..', Hour Week Man Wage " Renter Wage
1 Bedroom:$795 $31,800 $15/hoor 76 hours 44 hours
or ' or ;
2 Bedroom$990 $39,600 $19/hour .t 95 hours 55 hours
3 Bedroom: $1.,293 $51,720 $25/hour 124 hours 72 hours
Note: Required income is the annual income needed to afford Fair Market Rents without spending more than
30%of household income on rent.Minimum wage in Collier County is$8.05;average renter wage is$13.88.
Source:National Low Income Housing Coalition Out of Reach 2015,Accessed from
http://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/oor/files/reports/state/OOR_2015_FL.pdf
To afford a one bedroom rental unit at the Collier County FMR of$795 without being cost
burdened would require an annual income of at least $31,800. This amount translates to a
40 hour work week at an hourly wage of$15, a 76 hour work week at the minimum wage of
$8.05, or a 44 hour work week at the average renter wage of$13.88.The two bedroom FMR
of$990 translates to an hourly wage of$19, a 95 hour workweek at minimum wage, or a 55
hour work week at the average renter wage. Statewide, a minimum wage employee would
need to work about the same number of hours as in Collier: 77 hours per work to afford a
one bedroom unit and 97 for a two bedroom unit. Work weeks at the average statewide
renter wage are also very similar to those in Collier County.
Homeless Needs
In January 2015, Collier County conducted its annual Point-In-Time survey count of the
County's homeless population. The count identified 389 homeless residents in total,
comprised of 211 persons in emergency shelter, 134 in transitional housing, and 44 who
were unsheltered. This count reflects an increase of 28 persons in comparison to the 2014
Point-In-Time count of 361.
The homeless population presented with several social service and mental health
needs/issues such as:
• Chronic substance abuse- 121 persons
• Adults with disabilities - 103 persons
• Domestic violence survivors - 90 persons
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• Serious mental illness- 33 persons
• Chronically homeless - 32 persons
• Veterans- 5 persons
• HIV/AIDS - 3 persons
The Point-in-Time Count included 63 children in families, 31 unaccompanied youth (4 of
whom were under age 18), and 18 parenting youth with 10 children. The Hunger and
Homeless Coalition of Collier County's public schools'liaison reported serving 592 students
from the start of the school year to January 29th. In addition to those meeting HUD's
definition of homelessness,this count also includes children awaiting foster care placement,
families doubled up with relatives or friends, and unaccompanied youth living staying with
relatives or friends.
Input from service providers in Collier County identified some top needs for homeless
persons or persons at risk of homelessness as:
• Rapid rehousing
• Tenant based rental assistance
• Supportive housing for persons with physical and/or mental disabilities
• Access to substance abuse and mental health programs
• Assistance navigating social services network
• Transportation assistance
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Public Facilities and Infrastructure Needs
This needs assessment conducted for Collier County uncovered significant needs related to
public facilities and improvements to public infrastructure.
Public Facilities Needs
The top needs for public facilities were reported to be for community centers, health care
facilities, and public safety stations/offices. In the course of the engagement with residents
and stakeholders relative to this assessment,many described a need for more opportunities
for social interaction for seniors and activities for youth and children. Presumably,
community centers and similar facilities would be necessary in order to provide these types
of services. The lack of affordable, accessible healthcare services was also frequently
mentioned.Many physicians, doctors,and other health providers serving the county are said
to offer concierge-based services in which patients pay premium fees in order to receive a
higher level of service and access to their providers.These concierge-based practices do not
typically accept Medicare or Medicaid patients.As a result,many low-and moderate-income
residents expressed a need for healthcare facilities providing services at lower cost. Public
safety facilities, such as fire, police or emergency management facilities were also described
by residents as significant public facility needs.
In the public survey conducted as part of this needs assessment and described more fully
later in this report,respondents were asked to rank public facility needs in the County as
high, moderate, or low need. The top three needs ranked as high need were community
centers (ranked high by 57.3% of respondents), health care facilities (48.2%), and public
safety officers (46.3%).
Infrastructure and Public Improvement Needs
Demolition or redevelopment of blighted properties was seen by Collier County residents as
an important need. Additionally,the Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has
undertaken several subarea studies of bicycle and pedestrian mobility in communities
throughout the County.Though only a few individual communities have been studied to date,
the MPO reports have indicated significant needs for sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian
safety improvements. For example, in Naples Manor,the MPO report graded the community
with an overall level of service of D. Of 31 streets in the community, only one had sidewalks
on both sides of the road.The proximity of Lely High School and Parkside Elementary School
to the area heighten the need for public improvements. Improved street lighting and the
addition of street furniture,such as benches and signs,was often a frequent recommendation
as well. Similar findings were contained in a separate MPO report on the Immokalee area.
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Over 35%of respondents to the public survey rated demolition or redevelopment of blighted
properties as a high need. Another 42% of respondents rated this a moderate need. Needs
for sidewalk,street lighting,and street furniture were determined based on a review of prior
studies conducted by the Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization. County staff in the
Growth Management Department confirmed these as needs.
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Special Population Needs
The table below depicts the needs of special populations within Collier County that were
reported by county residents and other local stakeholders. Special populations include the
elderly, residents with disabilities, domestic violence survivors, residents with limited
English proficiency, and migrant workers.
Table 7.Special Populations Needs
Elderly People withoDisabilities
Increased affordable housing options Increased affordable housing options
Supportive housing services Increased accessible housing options
Accessible housing for disabled seniors Fair housing education related to source of
Memory care services for residents with income discrimination
dementia Supportive housing services
Accessible transportation for seniors with Increased independent living facilities
disabilities Special education support in school setting
Affordable transportation Accessible transportation
Social activities and programs Affordable transportation
Domestic Violence Survivors People with Iited lash Proficiency
an"dsAgrant Workers
Increased affordable housing options Increased affordable housing options
Supportive housing services Employment skills and job training
Employment skills and job training Fair housing education
Substance abuse counseling services Improved maintenance of affordable housing
Affordable transportation Affordable transportation
Childcare subsidies/assistance ESL services in schools and for adults
Financial literacy classes Financial literacy classes
Fair housing education Childcare subsidies/assistance
Sources: Stakeholder interviews, community meetings, focus groups, and community survey conducted
during November and December,2015
As indicated in the socioeconomic overview of this assessment,the elderly population in the
county is high and rising,creating a need for special focus on the needs of the county's elderly
population. Additionally, as elderly residents are likely to have higher rates of disabilities,
the rise in elderly population also creates a need for increased attention to services for
disabled residents. The Department of Social Work from Florida Gulf Coast University
conducted a needs assessment for the Leadership Coalition on Aging for Collier County in
2012. The report detailed several other community needs amongst the county's elderly
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population including: social isolation; need for social activities; difficulty navigating systems
and application processes related to healthcare, transportation, and housing; need for
Independent Living services and programs; need for supplemental food assistance; low-
income housing; and supportive housing with assisted daily living skills activities.2
2 http://www.collierseniorresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/LCA-report-electronic-finaltpdf.
Last accessed on 01/04/2016.
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Community Participation Results
The community outreach process used to elicit input regarding community needs,affordable
housing, and fair housing included four community meetings, two focus groups, individual
and small group interviews, and an online and hard copy survey in English and Spanish.
Participation was sought from persons living or working in Collier County, specifically
including representatives from organizations working with low- and moderate-income
populations,homeless persons,domestic violence survivors,migrant workers,persons with
limited English proficiency, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Housing professionals
(housing providers,lenders,real estate agents,fair housing advocates,and others)were also
invited to participate.This section provides more details about each outreach method and a
summary of the responses received.
Community Meeting,s
The County held four community meetings in different neighborhoods throughout Collier
County during the weeks of November 2 and November 9, 2015. Table 8 provides the
locations, dates, and times for each of the community meetings.
Table 8. Needs Identifimtion Community Meetings
Date Area Time Location
olF
Attendees
11/03/2015 West Naples 5 pm Estates Branch Library, 1266 10
Golden Gate Blvd,West Naples
11/04/2015 Naples 6 pm Naples Regional Library,650 9
Central Ave,Naples
11/05/2015 Immokalee 5 pm Immokalee Branch Library,417 14
N First St, Immokalee
11/10/2015 East Naples 5 pm East Naples Branch Library, 22
8787 Tamiami Trail E,Naples
Themes emerging from comments received at the community meetings are highlighted
below.
Housing Needs
• A growing need for senior housing and services, especially given the limited supply of
affordable senior housing currently available. Additional senior centers are also needed.
There is a need for services for seniors with dementia, especially assistance in securing
housing.
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• A need for supportive housing for persons with developmental disabilities. Current
resources do not meet the need for supportive housing,and this need is likely to grow as
parents of adults with development disabilities age and are no longer able to care for
them.
• More transitional housing and counseling services are needed for persons with substance
abuse issues.
• In Naples, need housing that is affordable to all segments of the workforce, including
teachers, healthcare workers, social assistance providers, and tourism industry
employees. High housing costs in Naples mean longer commute times from more
affordable locations.
• Housing stock in Immokalee is not sufficient to meet the needs of the existing workforce
or the professional jobs (teachers, dentists, etc.) the area would like to attract. Options
are needed for middle-income households and households looking to move out of mobile
homes.
• Mobile homes in Immokalee are often run down and overpopulated, but owners have
little incentives to make improvements.
• Question of whether there will be the policy level will to make real changes regarding
housing options in Collier County,both in Immokalee and Naples.
• East Naples has a high share of affordable housing. Funds should be used for remodeling
existing homes, more permanent senior housing,and more housing vouchers.
Community Development Needs
• In Immokalee, top community development needs include commercial district
revitalization, healthcare and dental care, bike and walking trails, expanded library
hours, parks and recreation fields, activities for children, senior services, and hands-on
homebuyer education/assistance.
• In East Naples, top community development needs include improved lighting and
sidewalks in Bayshore area, formation of a civic association, a community pool, and a
public garden.
• Public transit is not sufficient to meet the needs of low-income and disabled populations
due to limited routes and service hours, leading to long trip times. Paratransit pick up
times are too broad. For many low-income residents, the cost of transit is prohibitive.
Transit across county lines is difficult.
Fair Housing
• Education is needed for landlords and residents regarding fair housing. Attendees
generally do not know where to file a housing discrimination complaint, although Legal
Aid was often mentioned as a resource.
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Distribution of Community Resources
• Residents in Immokalee felt that community resources are not distributed equally.
Immokalee has fewer and inferior resources such as parks, sports fields, libraries, and
bus shelters.
• Attendees at the Naples meeting noted that library resources and beautification efforts
are not evenly distributed, and that while there are parks throughout the county, access
has been limited historically.
Stakeholder Interviews
In person and telephone interviews with 36 people representing 22 local organizations were
held during November 2015. Participants included local governments departments,
nonprofit organizations, housing developers, and private sector entities located in and/or
serving Naples and unincorporated Collier County (see Table 9).
Table 9.Participating Organizations
United Cerebral Palsy Collier County Mental Health/Drug Court
Collier County Hunger and Homeless Coalition Collier County Court Administration
Collier County Housing Authority Corizon
Legal Aid Collier County Sheriffs Office .
Drug Free Collier Lighthouse of Collier
Habitat for Humanity of Collier County David Lawrence Center
Shelter for Abused Women Immokalee Housing&Family Services
Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled Collier County Planning
Harry Chapin Food Bank Goodwill
Able Academy St.Matthews House
Rural Neighborhoods AVOW Hospice
Collier Senior Resources* Residential Options of Florida*
Immokalee CRA* Community Assisted&Supported Living*
Immokalee Chamber of Commerce* Golden Gate Estates Civic Association*
*Participated through community meetings rather than interviews.
Interviewees were asked questions similar but not identical to those posed during the
community meetings. Table 10 contains questions and a summary of response themes.
Because interviews were confidential, summaries of individual interviews are not provided.
Note that not all individuals interviewed responded to every question.
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Table 10.Interview Response Summary
1. What issues and challenges do your clients commonly face?What do you believe they would
name as their top needs in the community?
• Affordable housing for people with convictions and substance abuse issues;residential
treatment facility for children and adolescents
• Transitional housing and support services for those with drug and substance abuse
problems
• Affordable housing that is safe for single mothers
• High deposits and application fees for rental housing
• High childcare costs
• Difficulty accessing services,especially low income residents living in the east who must
come to Naples for services
2. From a professional perspective,what do you believe are the greatest community
development needs in the county?
• Public transportation is needed in Golden Gates
• Improved public transit; service times are limited and costs are high for low wage
workers
• Improved paratransit;currently has limited hours and doesn't run on Sunday;too
expensive for low-income riders; approval process is too lengthy;window for pickup time
is too wide
• Transportation across county lines is very difficult
• Improved access to healthcare and mental health treatment
•,• Affordable childcare and afterschool care/activities
• Job and employment training
• Financial literacy
• Entry level jobs with livable wages
• Access to resources and help navigating social assistance network
• Nowhere for people to go upon release from prison;need for better transition out of
justice system and more housing options; Leads to homelessness
• Housing and services for homeless veterans
• English language assistance,English classes,and computer literacy classes in Immokalee
• Afterschool care and transportation assistance in Immokalee
3. What do you believe are the greatest fair and affordable housing needs in the community?
Where is this housing most needed?
• Rental housing in general;lots of condos but few apartments
• Workforce housing,including affordable housing for service/tourism,healthcare,
education,and social service workers in Naples
• Affordable housing in East and North Naples
• Affordable and accessible housing for persons with disabilities,including with support
animals; property managers are often not diligent about accommodations
• Housing with supportive services for residents with physical,mental,and developmental
disabilities
• Intermediate care facilities or group homes
• Expanded public housing and housing choice vouchers/tenant based rental assistance;
Housing Authority waiting list is full
• Senior housing,including with supportive services
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• Much of Immokalee affordable housing is substandard,including farmworker housing;
property issues are not fixed and there are no eviction procedures (people are just put
out on the street)
• Single room occupancy dormitory for single women in Immokalee
• Senior housing in Immokalee
• Multifamily housing in Golden Gates
• For farmworkers,income fluctuates throughout the year which can impact ability to
afford housing
• Could do more housing programs but there is difficulty making required HOME match
• Home sales prices are usually out of reach of Housing Authority residents,which makes it
difficult to help them transition to homeownership
• Housing advisors and relationships with Section 8 landlords
4. What types of recent community development,affordable housing,and fair housing
initiatives have been successful in the area?What made them work?
• Habitat for Humanity;one of the best in the country
• Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
• Noah's Landing-transition from emergency shelter to Habitat for Humanity home
• Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled housing
• David Lawrence Center
• Neighborhood Health Clinic
• St.Matthews and the Friendship House
• Boys and Girls Club
• Youth Haven programs
• Care Club of Collier
• Immokalee CRA
5. What new uses of HUD grant funds should the County consider?
• Substance abuse treatment
• Transitional housing with supportive services
• Legal aid and domestic violence services
• Afterschool programs and youth programming
• Fair housing grant
• Improved transportation/paratransit
• Affordable housing closer to services
• Rapid rehousing program
• Housing counselors to help people find appropriate housing
• Partner with most efficient organizations and choose projects that will really make an
impact on top needs
6. What organizations in the area provide fair housing services?How well are these
organizations coordinated with the work of other organizations in the community?
• Collier County has a fair housing representative,this is not well-publicized
• Legal Aid
• HUD and Florida Commission on Housing
• Unknown
7. Do residents of similar incomes generally have the same range of housing options?
• No,more education regarding fair housing rights is needed for people with limited
English proficiency
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• No,white families have more options than Hispanic family even with similar incomes;
Creole-speaking family is likely to have even more limited options
• Condo application processes may impact housing options
• Source of income discrimination relative to Social Security/Supplemental Security
Income
• Yes
• Unsure
8. Are people in the area segregated in where they live?What characteristics define the
segregation?What causes it to occur?
• Yes,county is racially segregated but may be due to income;there is an intersection
between race and income relative to where people live in Collier County
• More racial minorities in Immokalee (Mexican,Native American,Haitian residents)
• Naples is not diverse
• Golden Gate City and Naples Manor are more diverse but also lower income areas
• Has improved over time
9. Are you aware of any housing discrimination that occurs in the area?If so,what are some
things that can be done to overcome discrimination to make access to housing more
equitable?
• Has heard stories of racism and bias in the rental market
• General sense that there may be some discrimination;landlords have a large enough
demand pool to be picky
• Discrimination is not overt,but is there
• Undocumented workers,persons with criminal history,or no credit end up paying more
for substandard housing because they have less rental options
• Discrimination based on disability
• Discrimination toward families with children
• Many apartment complexes have bilingual staff,which is helpful
• No/not aware of any
10. Are public resources (e.g.,parks,schools,roads,police and fire services,etc.)invested evenly
throughout all neighborhoods?
• Yes
• Parks are great and County puts money towards beautifying roads
• Highly visible roads are often better taken care of
• Parks are needed in Golden Gate Estates and Immokalee
• Schools are generally all good,but some differences in student/teacher ratio and special
education services depending on the area's income
• Parks tend to be better the closer you are to Naples
• Streetlights were turned off in some parts of the county during the Recession
• Immokalee has less access to community resources than other parts of the county
11. Is there anything we haven't discussed that you feel is important to our research?
• Wages for the area are low and generally below market rates
• CDBG grant reporting requirements are onerous and payment by Clerk's office is slow;
many social service agencies have unfavorable view of CDBG/HOME/ESG because of the
red tape associated with getting grant funds
• Policy changes are needed to improve affordable housing;activities of AHAC need to be
acted upon
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• Need to define affordable housing; different groups have different definitions (low
income,workforce,etc.) and it confuses the discussion
• Business community needs to understand that they are part of the issue related to
affordable housing and they may need to put up some money to address it(specifically in
reference to affordable housing for service industry workers in Naples)
• In addition to HUD funds,money from the County general fund should be used toward
addressing affordable housing challenges
• Affordable housing is not on the minds of money seasonal residents who think of Naples
solely as a vacation destination
Focus Groups
Two focus groups were conducted during the week of November 2, 2015 -one at the Shelter
for Abused Women and one at Immokalee Housing and Family Services.A total of 13 people
participated. Input is summarized below.
Community Development Needs
• Public transit was reported as a need.Identified needs included more frequent buses due
to buses running only every 2 hours, it taking 2 hours for buses to reach locations, not
enough stops throughout the region (stops too far off to walk to or for people with
mobility issues), no buses at Golden Gate andlmore rural and outlier areas, and limited
service hours.Cost of bus fare was reported as high and had recently increased to $35 for
monthly passes with rules which makes the cost really$60-$75 per month.
• Disabled residents reported insurance issues with not getting payment or
reimbursement for paratransit.
• Public transit has limited shelter from weather.
• Childcare was reported as unaffordable in'Naples.The most expensive care is for ages 0-
2.
• After school care is expensive ($60 week/child). Costs extra for lunch and snacks. The
higher the costs the better the activities and facilities. The one subsidy program for
childcare (4 C's) is currently full.
• Education on employment and worker rights, especially for residents with limited
English proficiency was identified as a need. Employment discrimination in job market
for workers with limited English proficiency. Residents reported being asked on job
applications the number of children they have and whether or they were not married.
• Limited wages.Minimum wage ($8.05) is not enough money to pay for rent.There are no
full time jobs, most residents reported working part-time and being underemployed.
• Residents do not receive any benefits from employment including healthcare.
• People prey on vulnerable,using immigration status as a means of threat.
• Exploitation of residents with English as a second language.
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• In Immokalee, need for childcare assistance,transportation assistance (especially to and
from childcare), and free or low cost English classes for adults. Continued need for after
school activities.
Housing Needs
• Predatory lending practices with source of income discrimination for residents with SSI
or Social Security income, immigration status used as a threat, and ESL residents are
exploited with landlords charging higher application fees and accepted cash only and
refusing to provide receipts.
• The cost of applying for rentals and high deposits for rent and utilities complicate renting
properties for lower income households.
• Greater housing and financial assistance is needed for low- income persons,low-income
persons with disabilities, and seniors. Affordable housing is needed in East and North
Naples. Many residents move to Lee County for affordability or"double up."
• A greater need for accessible housing for disabled residents with mobility issues and
supportive service animals.
• Even living in subsidized housing in Immokalee,rent is high for very low income families.
Survey of County Residents
Additional evaluation of perceptions related to community needs and fair and affordable
housing in Collier County was conducted via a community survey designed to gather insight
into the knowledge, experience, opinions, and feelings of local residents, employees, and
service providers. A total of 87 residents completed the English survey and 4 respondents
completed the Spanish version.Findings are summarized below and complete results are
available in an appendix to this document.
Respondent Demographics
The majority of the survey's 91 respondents identified as white,however, over 1 in 5 survey
respondents identified as Latino or Hispanic. Additionally, in 28.1% of households a
language other than English is spoken regularly. The chart below depicts the self-identified
racial make-up of survey respondents.
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Q5 What is your race/ethnicity?
it 2
Asian or Pacific A
Islander
1
Latino/Hispanic 412%(1) ret,
21.35%(19)
4,4 V
African
AmericaniBlack
4.49%(4)
.- White
73.03%(65)
The most widely reported occupations were educational services, health care and social
assistance (34.4%),public administration (16.6%),professional,scientific,and management
(15.6%), and finance, insurance, and real estate (6.7%) representing over 73%, or nearly
three quarters, of survey respondents. Approximately 1 in 10 respondents, or 11.1%,
reported not currently working.
A large percentage of survey respondents were primarily from middle to upper middle class
income groups with over 65% of households earning $50,000 or more annually, and more
than 1 in 4 respondents earning$100,000 or more per year. The graph below depicts income
distribution for survey respondents.
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03 Which range most accurately
reflects your total household income?
Less than$10,000
1.12%(1)
$10 000 to
$100,000 and above
$14,999
3.37%(3)
$15,000 to$24,999
5.62%(5)
$25,000 to$34,999
6.74%(6)
$35,000 to$49,999
16.85%(15)
$75,000 to$99,999
17.98%(16)
$50,000 to$74,999
22.47%(20)
Respondents were asked to rank public facility needs in the County as high,moderate,or low
need. The top three needs ranked as high need were community centers (ranked high by
57.3% of respondents),health care facilities (48.2%), and public safety offices (46.3%). The
chart below illustrates respondents' depiction of public facility needs.
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Q13 Please rank the following Public Facility
Needs in Collier County on a scale ranging
from a low need to a high need.
Low Need gy Moderate Need High Need
16.67%
Child care
centers
itiLit
'131-10,411Q.213,;, „ 44.87%
9.76%
Community - 32.93%
centers and-
57.32%
13.41%
Community ' 45.12%
41.46%
14.81%
Health Health care
facilities I-
48.15%
•gtv-1,44 14,,501" Ifih,•„,
20.73%
Public safety ' " ' 46.34%
offices(fir...
W;7-341. 32.93%
18.29%
Fr031- E173-1"
Street,road, `!f,.Ark4 ',..41;,,,• 1 ''t'„ 36.59%
or sidewalk...
45.12%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
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Respondents were asked to rank economic and community development needs in the
County. Financial assistance for community organization was identified as a high need by
over half of the survey's respondents. Over one-third of survey respondents (37.3%)
identified financial assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses as a high need.
Low Moderate High Total Weighted
Need "! Need Need Average
Facade improvements for businesses 50.65% 28.57% 20.78%
39 16 77 1.70
Financial assistance for community 9.09% 31.17% 59.74%
organizations 7 24 46 77 2.51
Financial assistance to entrepreneurs 24.00% 38.67% 37.33%
and small businesses 16 25 26 75 2.13
Historic preservation efforts 41.33% 49.33% 9.33%
31 37 7 75 1.68
Increased code enforcement efforts 4400% 33.33% 22.67%
33 25 17 75 1.75
Redevelopmentkrehabilitation!demolition of 22.37% 42.11% 35.53%
blighted properties 17 3' 27 75 2.13
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One-half or more of survey respondents identified the following public services needs as
high needs: medical and dental services, senior services,youth services,housing counseling,
and employment training. The chart below displays respondents ranking of public service
needs.
Low Moderate High Total Weighted
Need Need Need Average
Child abuse prevention 17.72% 39.24% 43.04°
14 ' 31 34 79 2.25
Childcare 9.76% 42.68% 47.56%
3 35 39 82 2.33
Domestic abuse services 8.86% 45.57% 46.57°T°
7 36 36 79 2.37
Drug abuse education/'crime 7.59% 37.97% 54.43%
prevention 6 30 43 79 2.47
Employment training 6.10% 43.90% 50.00 °
5 36 41 32 2.44
Food banks/community meals 12.20% 48.78% 39.02°
10 40 32 82 2.27
.Housing counseling ,11.11% 33.33% 55.56%
27 45 81 2.44
Legal services 14.63% 43.90% 41.46%
12 36 34 82 2.27
Medical and dental services 7.60% 32.50% 60.00%
6 26 48 80 2.52
Neighborhood cleanups 30.86% 44.44% 24.69%
25 ' 36 20 81 1.994
Senior services 9.88% 38.27% 51.85%
8 31 42 81 2.42
Transportation assistance 7.50% 50.00% 42.50%
6 40 34 80 2.35
Youth services 10.00% 36.25% 53.75%
3 29 43 30 2.44
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Respondents were asked to describe whether or not public resources were evenly
distributed across the County. Schools received the highest percentage of respondents
reporting equal distribution and public transportation received the highest percentage of
reports of unequal distribution.
Equally Not equally I don't Total Weighted
provided provided know Average
Roads 40.26% 48.05% 11.69%
31 37 9 -- 0 41
Public 18.18% 70.13% 11.69%
transportation 14 54 9 77 0.21
Water/sewer 45.46% 28.57% 25.97%
Parks 55.41% 39.19% 5.41%
41 29 4 74 0 59
Schools 68.83% ! 24.68% 6.49%
53 19 _ 1 77 0 74
Police protection 63.16% 25.00% 11.84%
48 19 icy 713 i i
Fire protection 66.23% 23.38% 10.39%
51 18 8 77 0 74
Code 41.56% 42.864 15.58°4
enforcement 32 33 12 7 1 459
Sanitation 55.84% ', 25.97% 18.18%
services 43 ,0 i 14 77 138
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Conclusions
The purpose of the Needs Assessment is to identify needs that are to be used in the
development of strategies and objectives for the 2016-2020 Consolidated Plan. Community
meetings, interviews, focus groups, and surveys were used to assist in obtaining comments
and opinions from organizations and residents of the County concerning housing,
community development and homelessness needs.
While the Needs Assessment is not an exhaustive listing of all needs, it is intended to
highlight priority needs identified from data analysis and by residents and other
stakeholders of the County. Based on the quantitative and qualitative data presented in this
document,top needs in Collier County include:
Housing and Homelessness Needs
Increased access to affordable housing
• Tenant based rental assistance
• Homeownership counseling and down payment assistance
• Support for the construction of new rental and for-sale affordable housing
The most common need identified by interviewees and community meeting participants was
affordable housing, including both rental and for-sale housing. Almost all interviewees listed
affordable housing as an issue in the county.In Naples,they described difficulties securing housing
for low and moderate income groups(including many tourism industry workers),as well as middle
income households and persons=employed;in healthcare,education,and social service professions.
A lack of rental housing and apartments was also noted. In Immokalee, stakeholders mentioned
affordability issues for migrant farmworkers and their families, many of whom have limited
English proficiency.Public meeting participants also described a lack of options and assistance for
households looking to move out of rental units/mobile homes and into homeownership.
Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) and National Low Income Housing
Coalition data supports stakeholders' comments. Forty percent (40.0%) of all households in the
county have a housing cost burden (i.e., spend over 30% of their income on housing). Looking
specifically at low and moderate income households,over 90%of both renters and owners are cost
burdened; more than 35% are severely cost burdened (i.e., spend over half of their income on
housing). The National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates that a minimum wage worker
would need to work 76 hours per week to afford a one-bedroom apartment at Collier County's fair
market rent of$795,and 95 hours per week to afford a two-bedroom unit.
When asked identify specific housing needs, survey participants ranked new construction of
affordable rental units,downpayment assistance,and tenant based rental assistance as the highest
priorities. Each were listed as high needs by more than 60%of respondents.
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Housing for Special Needs Populations
• Supportive housing for persons with developmental disabilities
Comments from stakeholders in both interviews and public meetings indicated a need for
supportive housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. Input revealed a low
availability of housing options to meet difficulty with mobility. Housing with services that would
allow developmentally disabled residents to live more independently, such as case management
services to assist with navigating needs related to employment, education, managing finances,
health, and daily living were frequently requested. It was reported that many residents with
developmental disabilities remained living in the home of their parents or other family members
due to a lack of supportive housing services. In the community survey, over half (56.6%) of
respondents reported that services for the disabled was a high need in the County,while over one
third (38.1%)identified it as a moderate need.
• Senior and accessible housing
Over 60% of stakeholders interviewed reported that Collier County does not have enough senior
housing. Stakeholders described a long waiting list to obtain affordable housing for seniors and
reported that most housing was not accessible to persons with disabilities including mobility,sight,
and hearing disabilities, along with memory care. Several requests were made for supportive
housing with case management services to assist with social activities and integration, health
management,financial management,tra`nsportation,and daily living assistance.A study on issues
affecting seniors in Collier County identified social isolation as a key negative outcome impacting
seniors that could be ameliorated with more supportive housing services. In the community
survey, more than half(55.1%) of respondents reported that senior housing was a high need for
the county and more than one-third (35.9%) of respondents identified it as a moderate need.
Similarly, over half(51.8%) of respondents described senior services as a high need and over a
third (38.2%) described it as a moderate need.
• Homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing
In the community survey,65.4%of respondents identified homelessness prevention as a high need
and 29.5%described it has a moderate need.The vast majority of respondents (70.1%) identified
housing with supportive services as a high need while 20.8% described it as a moderate need.
Stakeholder interviews and input supported the results of the community survey with requests
made for prevention services and rapid rehousing with supportive services that would include
temporary financial assistance with rent or application fees, substance abuse counseling and
education,and case management.
• Transitional housing with supportive services
Transitional housing with supportive services to aid homeless residents, including those with
substance abuse issues, was identified by stakeholders and residents as a need. Requests for
services included more sober living facilities with counseling, employment skills training, case
management, and childcare. Education and services to aid with substance abuse issues was
identified as a high need by 54.4% of the community survey respondents and as a moderate need
by 37.9%.
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Community Development Needs
Public services
• Transportation assistance
Over 75% of stakeholder interviews identified transportation assistance as a community need.
Input identified several concerns with public transit including difficulty with getting insurance to
cover paratransit,limited hours and locations,and the increased cost of public transit. Input from
focus groups and community meetings described issues with transportation as limiting childcare,
employment, educational, and housing opportunities. In the community survey, 70.1% of
respondents reported that public transportation was not evenly distributed across the County.
• Youth programs
Another common community development need identified in interviews was youth programs and
activities. Over half of survey respondents (53.8%%) identified youth activities as a high need, and
36.3% identified them as a moderate need. Additionally, a survey previously conducted of
Immokalee residents and stakeholders identified a lack of activities for children and teens as the
number one need related to education and youth. Specific examples provided by respondents
included festivals and other cultural activities,clubs for children,dance/music/arts programs,and
game nights. Public meeting participants also brought up the need for more youth programs,
longer hours, and general facility improvements at the library and parks/sports fields in
Immokalee.
• English language classes and job/life skills training
In Immokalee, a key need identified by interview, focus group, and community meeting
participants was English language and other classes. Concentrations of Creole- and Spanish-
speaking residents, including many who are low income, will provide continued demand for
English language classes.Other training identified as a need by Immokalee residents/stakeholders
includes financial literacy and job skills training.
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Fair housing
• Fair housing education for landlords and residents, especially for special needs populations
including persons with limited English proficiency and migrant workers
Information from key stakeholders indicated a need for increased education around issues related
to fair housing for both landlords and residents of Collier County. Information obtained at focus
groups indicated minority residents and those with limited English proficiency being charged
higher application fees or rental rates for similar properties, and refusal by landlords to make
needed repairs to properties. Several interviewees identified similar issues, and the majority
indicated a lack of awareness about fair housing resources in the county.
In the community survey, nearly 1 in 5 (18.8%) of respondents reported experiencing housing
discrimination and the majority reported that this discrimination was related to their race
(33.3%), ethnicity (25.0%), or national origin (16.6%). Of respondents who experience
discrimination, over 70% reported that they were discriminated against by a landlord.
Additionally, 55.8% of respondents identified lack of knowledge regarding fair housing rights by
residents as a barrier to fair housing,while 48.0%of respondents identified lack of fair housing by
landlords and property owners as a barrier to fair housing
Public Facilities and Infrastructure Improvements
• Construction of community centers,health care facilities,and public safety stations
• Improvements to public parks,libraries,and other facilities
In the public survey conducted as part of this plan development process,respondents were asked
to rank public facility needs in the County as high, moderate, or low need. The top three needs
ranked as high need were community centers (ranked high by 57.3%of respondents),health care
facilities(48.2%%),and public safety officers(46.3%).Parks,libraries,and other public facilities also
represented needs described by residents who were engaged in this needs assessment.
• Demolition or redevelopment of blighted properties
• Infrastructure improvements in the Immokalee and Bayshore CRAs and in other communities
• Support for infrastructure related to affordable housing development
Over 35% of respondents to the public survey rated demolition or redevelopment of blighted
properties as a high need. Another 42% of respondents rated this a moderate need. Needs for
sidewalk,street lighting,and street furniture were determined based on a review of prior studies
conducted by the Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization. County staff in the Growth
Management Department confirmed these as needs.
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Exhibit 2. Brief Summary of Research Supporting Priority Needs
(1) Housing and Homelessness Needs
Increased access to affordable housing
• Tenant based rental assistance
• Homeownership counseling and down payment assistance
• Support for the construction of new rental and for-sale affordable housing
The most common need identified by interviewees and community meeting participants was affordable
housing, including both rental and for-sale housing. Almost all interviewees listed affordable housing
as an issue in the county. In Naples,they described difficulties securing housing for low and moderate
income groups (including many tourism industry workers), as well as middle income households and
persons employed in healthcare, education, and social service professions.A lack of rental housing and
apartments was also noted. In Immokalee, stakeholders mentioned affordability issues for migrant
farmworkers and their families, many of whom have limited English proficiency. Public meeting
participants also described a lack of options and assistance for households looking to move out of rental
units/mobile homes and into homeownership.
Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) and National Low Income Housing Coalition
data supports stakeholders' comments. Forty percent (40.0%) of all households in the county have a
housing cost burden(i.e., spend over 30% of their income on housing). Looking specifically at low and
moderate income households, over 90% of both renters and owners are cost burdened; more than 35%
are severely cost burdened(i.e., spend over half of their income on housing). The National Low Income
Housing Coalition estimates that a minimum wage worker would need to work 76 hours per week to
afford a one-bedroom apartment at Collier County's fair market rent of$795, and 95 hours per week to
afford a two-bedroom unit.
When asked to identify specific housing needs, survey participants ranked new construction of
affordable rental units, down payment assistance, and tenant based rental assistance as the highest
priorities. Each were listed as high needs by more than 60% of respondents.
Housing for Special Needs Populations
• Supportive housing for persons with developmental disabilities
Comments from stakeholders in both interviews and public meetings indicated a need for supportive
housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. Input revealed a low availability of housing
options to meet difficulty with mobility. It was reported that many residents with developmental
disabilities remained living in the home of their parents or other family members due to a lack of
supportive housing services. In the community survey, over half(56.6%) of respondents reported that
services for the disabled was a high need in the County, while over one third(38.1%) identified it as a
moderate need.
• Senior and accessible housing
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Over 60% of stakeholders interviewed reported that Collier County does not have enough senior
housing. Stakeholders described a long waiting list to obtain affordable housing for seniors and
reported that most housing was not accessible to persons with disabilities including mobility, sight, and
hearing disabilities, along with memory care. A study on issues affecting seniors in Collier County
identified social isolation as a key negative outcome impacting seniors that could be ameliorated with
more supportive housing services. In the community survey, more than half (55.1%) of respondents
reported that senior housing was a high need for the county and more than one-third (35.9%) of
respondents identified it as a moderate need. Similarly, over half(51.8%) of respondents described
senior services as a high need and over a third(38.2%)described it as a moderate need.
• Homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing
In the community survey, 65.4% of respondents identified homelessness prevention as a high need and
29.5% described it has a moderate need. The vast majority of respondents (70.1%) identified housing
with supportive services as a high need while 20.8% described it as a moderate need. Stakeholder
interviews and input supported the results of the community survey with requests made for prevention
services and rapid rehousing with supportive services that would include temporary financial assistance
with rent or application fees, substance abuse counseling and education,and case management.
• Transitional housing with supportive services
Transitional housing with supportive services to aid homeless residents, including those with substance
abuse issues,was identified by stakeholders and.residents as a need. Education and services to aid with.
substance abuse issues was identified as a high need by 54.4%of the community survey respondents.
(2) Community Development Needs
Public services
• Transportation assistance
Over 75% of stakeholder interviews identified transportation assistance as a community need. Input
identified several concerns with public transit including difficulty with getting insurance to cover
paratransit, limited hours and locations, and the increased cost of public transit. Input from focus
groups and community meetings described issues with transportation as limiting childcare,
employment, educational, and housing opportunities. In the community survey, 70.1% of respondents
reported that public transportation was not evenly distributed across the County.
• Youth programs
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Another common community development need identified in interviews was youth programs and
activities. Over half of survey respondents (53.8%) identified youth activities as a high need, and
36.3% identified them as a moderate need. Additionally, a survey previously conducted of Immokalee
residents and stakeholders identified a lack of activities for children and teens as the number one need
related to education and youth. Public meeting participants also brought up the need for more youth
programs, longer hours, and general facility improvements at the library and parks/sports fields in
Immokalee.
• English language classes and job/life skills training
In Immokalee, a key need identified by interview, focus group, and community meeting participants
was English language and other classes. Concentrations of Creole- and Spanish-speaking residents,
including many who are low income, will provide continued demand for English language classes.
Other training identified as a need by Immokalee residents/stakeholders includes financial literacy and
job skills training.
Fair housing
• Fair housing education for landlords and residents, especially for special needs populations
including persons with limited English proficiency and migrant workers
Information from key stakeholders indicated a need for increased education around issues related to fair
housing for both landlords and residents of Collier County. In the community survey, nearly 1 in 5
(18.8%) of respondents reported experiencing housing discrimination and the majority reported that
this`discrimination was related to their race (33.3%), ethnicity (25.0%), or national origin (16.6%). Of
respondents who experience discrimination, over 70%reported that they were discriminated against by
a landlord. Additionally, 55.8% of respondents identified lack of knowledge regarding fair housing
rights by residents as a barrier to fair housing, while 48.0% of respondents identified lack of fair
housing by landlords and property owners as a barrier to fair housing.
Public Facilities and Infrastructure Improvements
• Construction of community centers,health care facilities, and public safety stations
• Improvements to public parks, libraries,and other facilities
In the public survey conducted as part of this plan development process, respondents were asked to
rank public facility needs in the County as high, moderate, or low need. The top three needs ranked as
high need were community centers (ranked high by 57.3% of respondents), health care facilities
(48.2%), and public safety officers (46.3%). Parks, libraries, and other public facilities also represented
needs described by residents who were engaged in this needs assessment.
• Demolition or redevelopment of blighted properties
• Infrastructure improvements in the Immokalee and Bayshore CRAs and in other communities
• Support for infrastructure related to affordable housing development
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Over 35% of respondents to the public survey rated demolition or redevelopment of blighted properties
as a high need. Another 42% of respondents rated this a moderate need.Needs for sidewalks and street
lighting, were determined based on a review of prior studies conducted by the Collier Metropolitan
Planning Organization. County staff in the Growth Management Department confirmed these as needs.
The preliminary needs assessment document has extensive information supporting the priority
needs of the community.
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