The City Commission of Deltona, Florida, convened on May 3, 2025, for a budget workshop focused on affordable housing initiatives. The meeting began with discussions led by Vice Mayor Herriot regarding the potential use of funds from a proposed land trust aimed at supporting affordable housing projects. The Vice Mayor emphasized that the intent is not to develop high-density multifamily units but rather to focus on single-family homes, including options for buying and refurbishing existing houses.

Commissioners engaged in a detailed dialogue about the definition of affordable housing, clarifying that it differs from government-assisted programs like Section 8. The conversation highlighted the challenges residents face in qualifying for mortgages, with some commissioners expressing concern over the current state of affordability in the housing market.

Commissioner Howington and others discussed the importance of integrating affordable housing within the community, ensuring that such developments do not stigmatize residents. The idea of including affordable housing in new developments was also raised, with hopes that developers would be more receptive to these initiatives.

The workshop included a review of recommendations from staff regarding funding allocations for affordable housing. It was suggested that the city could allocate a percentage of funds annually, with discussions on whether to set a maximum limit on collected funds to avoid excessive accumulation without action. The consensus leaned towards revisiting the topic every two to three years to assess progress and adjust strategies as necessary.

The meeting concluded with a break, allowing commissioners to regroup before continuing discussions. Overall, the workshop underscored the city's commitment to addressing affordable housing needs while navigating the complexities of funding and community integration. The next steps will involve formalizing recommendations into resolutions for future budget considerations.