Community Development

Notice of Public Hearing on Block Grant, May 5

About the Community Development Office

The City of Key West Community Development Office (CDO) plays a vital role in shaping housing policy and delivering services that address the evolving needs of the community.  With a mission focused on increasing and preserving affordable and workforce housing, the CDO works to ensure equitable access to housing for all residents of Key West.

Program Oversight

The CDO is responsible for managing the City's inventory of deed-restricted workforce housing, which includes:

  • 428 rental units
  • 127 homeownership units

Key responsibilities include:

  • Processing housing applications for eligibility under the code
  • Certifying resale values
  • Monitoring compliance
  • Providing technical assistance to owners, managers, tenants, and buyers

The office also serves as a liaison between the City and a wide range of partners — including housing advocates, developers, and community-based organizations — to align housing policy with Key West's long-term planning and legislative priorities.

Major Programs and Initiatives

Homebuyer Assistance Program (Revived 2024)

After a five-year pause, the Homebuyer Assistance Program was successfully revived in 2024 under new leadership.  Notable improvements include:

  • Collaboration with Monroe County's SHIP Office, allowing the use of SHIP funds alongside City funding — a first for the program.
  • A revised second mortgage structure: Previously, homeowners were required to repay the full amount at maturity.  Now, the City's second mortgage is fully forgiven after 30 years of primary residence with no default, significantly improving affordability and access.

Program Impact in FY25:

  • $460,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance provided
  • 23 households supported in achieving homeownership
  • $560,000 in new Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) funding allocated for FY25
  • Program officially reopened on November 9, 2024, with two (2) closings by year-end 2024, and 21 more closings in 2025

This marks a successful relaunch year, both in reach and design

Move-In Assistance Program (Launched 2023)

This program supports renters by covering security deposits and last month's rent when signing a new lease.  While uptake has been slower than expected due to certain program restrictions, the initiative remains an available resource for qualifying households.

Other Key Programs Managed by CDO

  • Mayor’s Revolving Loan Fund
  • Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF): Funds local nonprofit initiatives, such as Habitat for Humanity's Homeowner Rehabilitation Program, which provides critical home repairs for low- to moderate-income residents and offers financial education workshops.

HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS)

In partnership with A.H. of Monroe County, the CDO administers the federal HOPWA grant program to support very-low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS:

  • Offers tenant-based rental assistance and housing information services.
  • Over 44 households received rental assistance (FY22 Grant)
  • More than 75 individuals received housing information services.
  • A renewed 3-year grant of $1.52 million (2026–2029) will expand services throughout Monroe County

Collaborative Leadership

Led by the Community Development Program Director, the CDO works closely with City leadership within the Growth Management Division, the City Attorney's Office, and key community stakeholders to guide ordinance development and broader housing strategy.

Commitment to the Community

The CDO's diverse programming and strategic collaborations further the City's mission to build a more inclusive, stable, and affordable Key West.  These efforts honor the City's past while laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future.