Housing affordability is vital to the social and economic sustainability of our community. By providing a range of affordability, young families, seniors and employees directly benefit and become more successful. Housing affordability also strengthens our economy by; enhancing our market competitiveness; ensuring employers have access to the workers they need for a variety of jobs; providing better access for workers to homes near their jobs, attracting the best employees, connecting business owners with a stable customer base, and allowing consumers the flexibility to spend less of their income on housing. https://www.broward.org/Budget/Archives/Documents/HousingBrowardInclusivePlan2018.pdf
Unemployment and redevelopment are two important issues that affect the economic and social well-being of Margate, Florida. According to my research, Margate has a higher unemployment rate and poverty rate than the national and state averages, and its main commercial corridors have deteriorated due to age, obsolescence, and lack of investment.
However, there are also some initiatives and programs that aim to address these challenges and revitalize the city. For example, the Margate Community Redevelopment Agency (MCRA), which is comprised of Margate city commissioners and staff, has a plan to eliminate and prevent the spread of slum and blight, encourage community rehabilitation, and provide affordable/workforce housing. The MCRA also offers various incentives and grants to attract and retain businesses in the redevelopment area.
The MCRA has done many amazing things, even with legal setbacks. Unfortunately, coming up with a cognitive plan to properly address the housing crisis is not one of them. For example:
*Ft Lauderdale is using 43 parcels of CRA owned property to build single family homes.
*Pompano petitioned and received $7.25 million from the county to buy a Motel 6. It is to be converted into 300 to 400 units of affordable/workforce housing.
12.4% of Margate, FL residents had an income below the poverty level in 2022, which was 2.2% less than the poverty level of 12.7% across the entire state of Florida. 10.5% of high school graduates and 23.8% of non high school graduates live in poverty. The poverty rate was 21.9% among disabled residents. The renting rate among poor residents was 38.5%. For comparison, it was 23.4% among residents with income above the poverty level. These numbers continue to climb in this high inflation market.
Margate, Florida (FL) poverty rate data - information about poor and low-income residents living in this city (city-data.com)
According to a recent study, a $100 increase in median rent was associated with a 9% increase in the estimated homelessness rate The study also found that rising rents and inflation may lead to more homelessness if left unchecked.
Throughout our school district, of the 4,207 students identified as homeless, they attended school at the following levels: 133 (3%) attended pre-schools; 2,237 (53%) attended elementary schools; 767 (18%) attended middle schools, and 1,070 (26%) attended high schools. Of the total number of students experiencing homelessness, 388 were unaccompanied homeless students (meaning they did not reside with a parent or legal guardian). Of those, 272 were in high school, of which 71% were high school seniors. Our student homeless rate has skyrocketed since this survey was released due to over inflation.
HEART - Homeless Education Assistance Resource Team | Broward Education Foundation (browardedfoundation.org)
The cities were given this money, and it is imperative that we take this opportunity to invest in our workforce and protect the children.