Success Stories
Media Stories
More affordable housing could be coming to Collier County
There’s a push to create affordable housing in an area of Southwest Florida that is known to be pricey. Hundreds of new apartments could be coming to Collier County very soon. Some of those units will be set aside for teachers and first responders. But, the question from many is if these units will actually be affordable for the county’s public servants.
From rental assistance to EMS bonuses, Collier sets plan for $74 million from American Rescue Plan
Collier has released a report detailing plans for spending more than $74 million that the county received through the American Rescue Plan Act. The county’s spending plan includes about $28 million for public health efforts, $21.5 million to combat negative economic impacts of the pandemic, $9.8 million for services to disproportionally impacted communities, $9.2 million for water and infrastructure upgrades and $5.9 million for administrative costs.
Gulf Coast senior housing projects demonstrating renewed energy as pandemic wanes
The COVID-19 pandemic stalled new senior housing projects nationwide and throughout Florida, but with vaccination rates on the rise and the health crisis abating statewide, developers are now working on new offerings around the Gulf Coast.
Approved development near Golden Gate Estates worries neighbors and protection activists
New developments in southwest Florida have been approved, but many neighbors in the local community are dissatisfied with this, and environmental groups are worried about wildlife near the planned community.
Collier Planning Commission recommends in favor of a new town in rural Collier County
A new town proposed in the rural stretches of Collier County has taken a baby step forward with a County Commission vote coming later in May.
Naples considering acquisition of Gordon River Apartments in the River Park neighborhood
The city of Naples is exploring an acquisition of the Gordon River Apartments in the River Park East neighborhood. The Naples City Council, acting as the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency, is expected to receive appraisals of the property at a public meeting Tuesday at Naples City Hall.
Some residents upset with move to build affordable housing in Golden Gate Estates
GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. – Collier County Commissioners approved a developer to build affordable housing on a part of the Golden Gate Golf Course, but many in the community said they are not happy with this decision. Rural Neighborhoods was selected by Collier County Commissioners to build 350 affordable housing units on 25 acres of the 167-acre golf course. President of Rural Neighborhoods Steven Kirk said the development is designed to house senior and essential workers.
Collier commissioners approve proposed changes to rural growth plan
A Collier County rural growth plan whose proposed changes have been more than a decade in the making cleared another important hurdle Tuesday when county commissioners advanced the plan to a review by state officials. Commissioners voted 4-1 to transmit the modified plan, which covers a large portion of the county’s interior where farmland, preserves and panther habitat intersect, to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and other agencies. Commissioner Penny Taylor voted against doing so.
Editorial: Rural lands plan represents reasonable compromise in eastern Collier County
When compromise is the order of the day, no one is going to get everything they want. And when Collier County commissioners meet today, assuming Eta doesn’t interfere, compromise will be in order. It’s a compromise years in the making, as property owners, advocates for the environment and government planners have responded to a state order issued in 2002 that directed the county to better plan for and manage growth in the eastern part of the county.
Struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic? Collier reopens portals for aid
Collier County residents and businesses struggling financially during the ongoing pandemic are getting a second chance to apply for federal coronavirus relief funds the county received earlier this year. The county on Monday reopened its application process for nonprofits, hospitals, nursing homes, community health providers and public safety providers and will take those applications through noon on Oct. 26.
CollierCARES reopens applications for households and small businesses
COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – More CARES Act funding for families or businesses struggling to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic is available today, Oct. 19. Families and small businesses who are struggling to make ends meet are getting a second chance to apply for financial relief. Collier County is rolling out more than $67 million as the coronavirus relief fund.
CollierCARES reopens applications individual, families, businesses affected by pandemic
CollierCARES is reopening applications to both individual and family households, as well as small businesses that need assistance from impacts by the pandemic. Applications for both assistance programs reopen 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19 and close at noon Monday, Nov. 2. Qualified applicants must apply online at CollierFLCARES.com.
Golden Gate golf course project hits rough patch at Collier commission
A proposed golf course and entertainment venue, part of an effort by Collier County to redevelop a county-owned golf course in Golden Gate, has hit a rough patch.
Commissioners last year bought the 167-acre golf course at the intersection of Collier Boulevard and Golden Gate Parkway for $29 million. Plans for the site include workforce housing and golf. A future veterans’ nursing home has also been discussed as a possibility.
CollierCARES Offers $15M for one-time payments of childcare, electricity, mortgage and rent
Full-time Collier County residents behind on certain basic living payments due to the economic challenges presented by COVID-19 may qualify for one-time emergency assistance through the county’s CollierCARES Individual Assistance program. Applications for childcare, electricity, mortgage, and rent assistance opened on Monday, August 17, and close on Monday, August 31, at noon. Qualified applicants must apply online at www.CollierFLCARES.com.
CollierCARES Relief Funding available to licensed childcare providers
Licensed Collier County childcare providers, and county parks and recreation programs have an opportunity to apply for COVID-19 relief funding through the CollierCARES program. The application portal for licensed childcare providers opened on Monday, August 10, and closes at noon on Monday, August 24, 2020. Applicants should apply online at www.CollierFLCARES.com.
$5 million up for grabs for licensed child care providers, county park programs through CollierCARES
Starting Monday, licensed child care providers and county park programs can apply for relief through CollierCARES, and $5 million is up for grabs. The money available is on a first-come, first-qualified basis. For information on how to apply, visit the CollierCARES website HERE. The application deadline is Monday, Aug. 24.
CollierCARES relief funding available to Collier licensed childcare providers
Licensed Collier County childcare providers, and county parks and recreation programs, have an opportunity to apply for COVID-19 relief funding through the CollierCARES program. The application portal for licensed childcare providers opened August 10 and closes at noon on Monday, August 24. Applicants should apply online at www.CollierFLCARES.com.
Collier CARES funds to help people financially impacted by COVID-19
Many restaurants are back open and so are many retail stores across the country, but that doesn’t mean small business owners have recovered financially from losses over the last few months due to coronavirus restrictions forcing them to close.
$5 million up for grabs for licensed child care providers and county park programs through Collier Cares
Starting Monday, licensed child care providers and county park programs can apply for relief through Collier Cares, and $5 million is up for grabs. The money available is on a first-come, first qualified basis.
Collier County to offer financial relief to those affected by COVID-19
COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – Collier County has budgeted $67 million for coronavirus relief throughout the county. Through the CollierCARES act Collier County plans to help nonprofits, health and public safety agencies, individuals, and business that have been financially impacted by COVID-19. Individuals can apply for assistance with past-due rent, mortgage, and childcare. Applications for nonprofits and community health and public safety providers opens at 8 a.m. Monday, July 27, and closes at noon on Monday, August 10.
Collier leaders sign off on proposed allocations for more than $67 million in coronavirus aid
Collier County leaders on Tuesday signed off on proposed allocations for more than $67 million in federal coronavirus aid with large chunks flowing toward individual assistance, small business grants and help for nonprofits, healthcare and community providers.
Plans for workforce housing on Golden Gate golf course property move forward
Plans for workforce housing on a Collier County-owned golf course property in Golden Gate are taking shape. Commissioners this week picked a not-for-profit affordable housing developer to help the county build hundreds of homes for essential workers and seniors on a portion of a 167-acre Golden Gate golf course property the county bought last year.
Collier commissioners approve 642-acre rural village near Golden Gate Estates
Collier County commissioners Tuesday approved the latest in a number of proposed rural villages as eastward expansion into the county’s less urban interior continues.
Nonprofit developer awarded affordable housing project in Golden Gate
Affordable housing is hard to come by, especially in Collier County. Now professionals such as teachers, police officers and nurses are one step closer to finding a place where they can actually afford to live.
Rent and mortgage assistance available to those affected by COVID-19 in Collier
The Collier County Community and Human Services Division, in partnership with the United Way of Collier County and the Keys, will be providing more than $1.4M for rent or mortgage assistance to qualifying households impacted by COVID-19. Funding is provided through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG-CV) and the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP). The ESG-CV funds are available for residents in need of short-term rental assistance and the SHIP funds will provide both shortterm rental assistance and mortgage assistance, financial counseling, or foreclosure prevention for households who have lost employment or income during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Trouble paying rent or mortgage due to coronavirus crisis? Collier program aims to help
With the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak still rippling across Florida and the rest of the country, some Collier County residents could soon get help paying their rent or mortgage. County officials last week announced a $1.4 million rental and mortgage assistance program, funded through a combination of state and federal dollars and to be administered with the help of the United Way of Collier County and the Keys.
Collier County offers rent, mortgage assistance
COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – The United Way and The Collier County Community and Human Services Division are providing more than $1.4 million for rent or mortgage assistance for those impacted by the coronavirus. The Emergency Solutions Grant is available for residents in need of short-term rental assistance and the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program provides both short-term rental and mortgage, financial counseling, or foreclosure prevention.
Money available for renters and homeowners in Collier County
Renters and homeowners in Collier County who need financial assistance can apply for part of $1.4 million to help them get back on their feet. The county teamed up with the United Way of the Keys to receive the money and help those affected most by the pandemic. Michelle Mejia works at Trattoria Abruzzo Italian Restaurant and said no one was prepared to be out of a job for this long.
FL Star and SHIP grants open doors for new home buyers
FL Star, developer of Arrowhead Reserve and single-family homes in Golden Gate Estates, is opening the doors for low and moderate income buyers with SHIP grants. SHIP, which stands for State Housing Initiatives Partnership, is a program where lenders, builders, nonprofit groups and real estate agents collaborate to offer down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time home buyers with low incomes. The program is designed to promote affordable housing in Collier County.
Public and Private Solutions to Affordable Housing
The Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA) Calusa Chapter hosted a panel to discuss Public and Private Solutions to Affordable Housing on Friday, January 24, 2020. The panel took place as a two-hour luncheon offering two AICP Continuing Maintenance credits. Panelists included two affordable housing developers: Don D. Patterson, President and CEO of REVA Development Corporation and Bonnie Schnell of the Cape Coral Housing Development Corporation, as well as two public-sector housing affordability specialists: Amy Yearsley Thomas, AICP, Housing Coordinator for the City of Cape Coral and Cormac Giblin, AICP, Housing, Grant Development, and Operations Manager for Collier County.
Collier County gets $7.8M in state funding to aid planned affordable housing project
Collier County’s effort to bolster the local stock of affordable housing is getting a boost from state officials. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s board of directors unanimously awarded Collier $7.8 million to fund affordable housing, county officials announced in a news release. The award marks the first time in more than a decade that the county has received state funding for affordable housing development.
Collier commissioners OK North Naples housing development that includes affordable units
Despite pushback from neighbors, Collier County commissioners on Tuesday approved a North Naples housing development that will include affordable units, marking a step toward the county’s goal of providing more such homes. Builder Stock Development has been asking for rezoning and an amendment to the county’s growth management plan to allow for up to 304 multi-family rental units on 35 acres at the southeast corner of Veterans Memorial Boulevard and Livingston Road.
Marco Rubio Wants to Crack Down on Foreign Real Estate Holdings With New Bill
On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., brought out a proposal to help reduce foreign investments in urban real estate. Rubio introduced the “Home Advantage for American Families Act” as he noted that many foreign real estate holdings are “connected to illicit activity, and instead increase investment in affordable housing.”
USA TODAY Report: Florida teachers unable to afford housing
Based on the USA TODAY analysis, not a single county pays starting teachers enough to meet a threshold of spending no more than 30% of wages on the median rental costs. High housing costs, low pay force teachers to stretch limits in nearly every corner of state — and that includes Polk County.
For the first time in 13 years, Florida agrees to fully fund affordable housing
For the first time since 2007, the Florida House and Senate have agreed to fully fund the state’s affordable housing trust fund, known as the Sadowski fund. Both chambers have agreed to dedicate the full $370 million dollars to the fund, instead of taking money out to fund other projects like in year’s past.
Collier County replaces homes damaged by Hurricane Irma
When Hurricane Irma hit Florida in 2017, countless families in Collier County lost their homes. For many, it was an unimaginable burden to even think about how to recover. But that challenging process was made easier by Collier County’s Community and Human Services Division.