Developer: Action needed to eliminate barriers to workforce housing

Sarasota and Manatee Counties, known for their stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene and growing economic opportunities, are at a crossroads. As these communities attract new businesses and residents, they face a pressing challenge: the need for workforce housing. 

Workforce housing, which refers to housing for essential workers — teachers, health care workers, service industry employees, retail employees and others — is becoming increasingly scarce. These professions are the ones who do the work vital to the community but are increasingly priced out of the housing market. 

This shortage threatens the region’s long-term sustainability, making workforce housing a critical issue demanding immediate attention. The majority of all new developments in both counties are either market-rate with some attainable housing, or affordable housing with very little workforce housing for working families.