Community Development

The primary mission of the Community Development Department is to improve the lives of Pasco’s citizens through homeless initiatives, neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing and community partnerships using state and federal funding.

In addition to the four major program areas listed below, the Department also accomplishes all regulatory financial management and compliance tracking and reporting, as well as short and long-term planning and associated studies, required by the State of Florida Housing Finance Corporation and the United States Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

These programs are accomplished through the fair and transparent administration of local, state and federal programs in accordance with County, State, and National objectives to include:

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are used for a variety of activities, such as: acquisition, emergency and transitional housing units, public services, public infrastructure and public facility improvements and construction, economic development, administration and planning activities. The County has successfully met the CDBG statutory and regulatory requirement that at least 70 percent of all CDBG funds be spent on low- to moderate-income persons.

Home Investment Partnership (HOME), Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), and State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) funds are the primary sources of funding for affordable housing programs and projects during the Consolidated Plan period. The County, in partnership with local community housing development organizations (CHDO) and other affordable housing not-for-profit agencies use HOME funds to implement rental, and homeowner strategies. HOME and SHIP funds provide assistance to owner-occupied households for rehabilitation of housing, assist individuals and households with homeownership funds, and payment of past due property taxes to prevent loss of residence. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds are used to fund agencies for street outreach activities,

homeless prevention activities, rapid rehousing, shelter operating costs, and the Homeless Management Information System.

Core Services

Homelessness Initiatives

Under homeless initiatives, the Department provides operational and capital assistance to not-for-profit and government agencies that provide emergency, transitional, and permanent housing assistance to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. The Department also uses grant funding to construct housing dedicated the persons experiencing homelessness and dedicates funding for rental assistance programs.

Neighborhood Revitalization Projects

Under neighborhood revitalization, the Department funds and coordinates the redevelopment of low and moderate income areas that need new roads and sidewalks, drainage, public infrastructure and new or renovated public facilities and other capital improvement needs.

Affordable Housing Program

With our affordable housing programs, the Department leads and manages multiple programs that provide very low, low, and moderate income as well as special needs residents with down-payment assistance for homeownership, tax assistance, and rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes anywhere in Pasco County as well as development of single-family homes.

Community Partner Agency Projects

With our community partners, the Department funds and provides technical assistance to community partner agencies to assist very low, low, and moderate income, as well as special needs residents, with essential health and human services needed to improve overall quality of life and increase self-sufficiency.

The below key performance indicators focus on the Community Development Department's relationship with the community and its community partners. Efficiently connecting citizens with resources available to them, cultivating an engaged team, and decreasing homelessness in Pasco County are vital to Community Development's mission.