City employees in Venice will gain priority access to a limited number of units in a future affordable housing development under an agreement with a private developer.
The agreement with Venice Avenue Apartments LLC gives the city priority access to 10 units within a 135-unit affordable housing community once leasing begins. The arrangement provides a no-cost way to help city employees live near their jobs.
The development is part of a Sarasota County affordable housing initiative supported by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program. It is designed to serve “hometown heroes,” including public employees such as first responders, school staff and healthcare workers.
City officials said the agreement responds to rising housing costs that have pushed employees to live outside the city, increasing commute times and affecting retention.
“This may offer an opportunity for us to hold on to some people that might otherwise leave us because they can’t afford to live here,” one council member said.
Assistant City Manager Roger Clark said the developer is not receiving financial incentives from the city. The developer described the decision as “simply the right thing to do.”
The agreement does not involve city funding or construction. Instead, it gives city employees priority in leasing designated units once the project is completed.
Eligible employees must still meet income limits, screening requirements and other affordable housing rules, and units are not guaranteed. Available units will be offered through a waitlist system, in the order of application, as vacancies occur.
The apartments have not yet been constructed and are planned for Clermont Road near Venice Avenue and Jacaranda Boulevard in Sarasota County.
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