Sec. 34.201. - Establishment; functions.

There is hereby created a division within the executive branch of the City to be known as the Housing and Community Development Division. The Division shall be responsible for: (a) Housing services, including but not limited to: (1) Affordable Housing Coordinator. The Affordable Housing Coordinator shall be the Chief of the Community Development Division. The Affordable Housing Coordinator shall: i. Serve as a central resource of information regarding all processes required to bring an affordable or workforce housing development to completion; and ii. Proactively assist developers of affordable and workforce housing developments with the different processes required to bring an affordable or workforce housing development to completion; and iii. Communicate with other City Departments to ensure that affordable and workforce housing developments are not delayed within processes managed by other City Departments; and iv. Where appropriate, act as a liaison between developers of affordable and workforce housing developments and all permitting agencies to expedite the permitting processes; and v. Provide other necessary support to ensure that affordable and workforce housing developments are completed to meet the housing needs of the citizens of Jacksonville. (2) Administration and operation of affordable housing program(s) to preserve and enhance the supply of affordable housing within Duval County. With the exception of those matters that are the responsibility of the Jacksonville Housing Authority, the Housing and Community Development Division is hereby designated as the City agency for housing initiatives and all matters relating to affordable housing, (b) Community development (including Community Development Block Grant funds, and town center initiatives) including but not limited to: (1) To provide a program for the relocation of displaced persons. (2) To effectively provide for the rehabilitation, conservation and redevelopment of slums and blighted areas in the City. (3) To prevent the growth and recurrence of slums and blighted areas in the City. (c) All other matters related thereto, including but not limited to the planning, development, supervision, and implementation of programs and projects funded by State of Florida funds (including but not limited State Housing Initiatives Partnership funds), and funded by Housing and Urban Development funds (including but not limited to Emergency Shelter Grant funds, Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids funds, HOME Investment Partnership Program funds, Community Development Block Grant funds, and Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds). It is the intent of Council that the funding and utilization of these program funds should be consistent with past practices and subject to applicable law. (d) The Division shall also serve as the liaison for the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission (with respect to housing matters only). (e) Advise on and facilitate the creation of neighborhood organizations. (Ord. 2016-140-E , § 9)