ALACHUA COUNTY – Alachua County officials are inviting residents to help shape the future of affordable housing by providing input on the county’s upcoming Local Housing Assistance Plan, a guiding document that will outline priorities and funding for the next four years.
The Alachua County Community Support Services, through its Housing and Strategic Development Division, is seeking public comments and recommendations on the Local Housing Assistance Plan, commonly known as the LHAP. Once finalized, the plan will cover the 2026–2029 period and will establish affordable housing priorities, planned activities and anticipated funding levels.
County officials said the LHAP will also govern activities under the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program, which provides state funding to local governments for housing assistance programs aimed at very low-, low- and moderate-income households.
To gather community input, the county will host three public meetings, including two in-person sessions and one virtual option. Residents are encouraged to attend any or all of the meetings to share their perspectives and help guide housing policy decisions.
The first meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 8, at 6 p.m., at the Alachua County Agricultural Extension Auditorium, located at 22712 W. Newberry Road in Newberry. This in-person session will allow participants to hear an overview of the draft plan and offer comments directly to county staff.
A second meeting will be conducted virtually on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 5:30 p.m. Residents may join the Microsoft Teams meeting by accessing the information posted at: https://alachuacounty.us/news/Article/Pages/County-Seeks-Public-Input-for-.aspx
Meeting ID: 248 087 964 666 49
Password: Cz7E6Rw3
Date: January 22nd, 2026, 5:30 p.m. The virtual format is intended to provide an additional opportunity for participation by those unable to attend in person.
The final meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m., at the Thomas Coward Auditorium, located at 224 S.E. 24th Street in Gainesville.
County officials emphasized that public participation plays a key role in developing the LHAP, noting that the plan is designed to reflect community needs and priorities related to affordable housing. The public is encouraged to be part of the process by attending meetings, asking questions and submitting feedback.
For residents who are unable to attend any of the scheduled meetings, alternative options are available. Citizens may request a copy of the draft LHAP and submit written comments by contacting Alachua County Housing and Strategic Development via email at housing@alachuacounty.us or by calling 352-337-6240.
Input received through meetings and written comments will be considered as the county finalizes the plan, which will guide local housing assistance efforts and the use of SHIP funding over the next several years.
# # #
Email cwalker@
alachuatoday.com
ALACHUA COUNTY – Alachua County officials are inviting residents to help shape the future of affordable housing by providing input on the county’s upcoming Local Housing Assistance Plan, a guiding document that will outline priorities and funding for the next four years.
The Alachua County Community Support Services, through its Housing and Strategic Development Division, is seeking public comments and recommendations on the Local Housing Assistance Plan, commonly known as the LHAP. Once finalized, the plan will cover the 2026–2029 period and will establish affordable housing priorities, planned activities and anticipated funding levels.
County officials said the LHAP will also govern activities under the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program, which provides state funding to local governments for housing assistance programs aimed at very low-, low- and moderate-income households.
To gather community input, the county will host three public meetings, including two in-person sessions and one virtual option. Residents are encouraged to attend any or all of the meetings to share their perspectives and help guide housing policy decisions.
The first meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 8, at 6 p.m., at the Alachua County Agricultural Extension Auditorium, located at 22712 W. Newberry Road in Newberry. This in-person session will allow participants to hear an overview of the draft plan and offer comments directly to county staff.
A second meeting will be conducted virtually on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 5:30 p.m. Residents may join the Microsoft Teams meeting by accessing the information posted at: https://alachuacounty.us/news/Article/Pages/County-Seeks-Public-Input-for-.aspx
Meeting ID: 248 087 964 666 49
Password: Cz7E6Rw3
Date: January 22nd, 2026, 5:30 p.m. The virtual format is intended to provide an additional opportunity for participation by those unable to attend in person.
The final meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m., at the Thomas Coward Auditorium, located at 224 S.E. 24th Street in Gainesville.
County officials emphasized that public participation plays a key role in developing the LHAP, noting that the plan is designed to reflect community needs and priorities related to affordable housing. The public is encouraged to be part of the process by attending meetings, asking questions and submitting feedback.
For residents who are unable to attend any of the scheduled meetings, alternative options are available. Citizens may request a copy of the draft LHAP and submit written comments by contacting Alachua County Housing and Strategic Development via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 352-337-6240.
Input received through meetings and written comments will be considered as the county finalizes the plan, which will guide local housing assistance efforts and the use of SHIP funding over the next several years.
# # #
Email cwalker@
alachuatoday.com