In a controversial move, Hillsborough County commissioners voted to repeal the HOPE Affordable Housing Act, a program that allocated millions of dollars each year to fund local affordable housing. The decision follows a public hearing where dozens of residents urged the county to maintain the fund, arguing that it has provided essential housing support to vulnerable populations. The repeal comes amid a growing housing crisis in the region, raising concerns about the future of low-income residents.
Commissioners Vote 5-2 to Repeal HOPE Act
On June 18, Hillsborough County commissioners voted 5-2 in favor of repealing the HOPE Affordable Housing Act. The vote effectively ends a program that dedicated $10 million annually from general revenue to support affordable housing development across the county. Commissioners Harry Cohen and Gwen Myers opposed the repeal, citing the urgent housing needs of the community.
HOPE Fund Supported Over 1,100 Affordable Units
Since its creation in 2019, the HOPE fund has helped create more than 1,100 affordable housing units. These units have served seniors on fixed incomes, renters with disabilities, and individuals transitioning out of homelessness. The initiative was backed by the Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality (HOPE), a faith-based group that advocated for the fund’s establishment.
Residents Rally to Save the Program
During the public hearing before the vote, around 30 residents and HOPE members spoke in defense of the housing fund. Many wore purple HOPE shirts and asked the commission to consider the growing need for affordable housing. Their message was clear: eliminating the fund would harm thousands of low-income families who rely on affordable housing options.
Faith Leaders Call for Compassion
Rev. Bernice Powell Jackson, pastor of the First United Church of Tampa, delivered an emotional appeal to the commission. She urged them to consider the needs of more than 100,000 rent-burdened families in the county, along with people experiencing homelessness and those in need of supportive housing due to mental health challenges.
Local Control and Flexibility at Stake
HOPE co-president Sheila Simmons Tribble joined the hearing virtually, stressing that the fund was locally controlled and specifically targeted low-income residents, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. While Hillsborough County receives other housing funds from state and federal sources, Tribble emphasized the importance of maintaining a dedicated local funding stream.
HOPE Fund Was Just a Small Slice of the Budget
Supporters of the fund noted that the $10 million allocated annually to the HOPE program accounted for just 0.001 percent of Hillsborough County’s proposed $10.4 billion budget for fiscal year 2025. They argued that this small portion of funding made a significant impact and helped unlock additional state and federal resources.
Public Outcry After Final Decision
Following the 5-2 vote to repeal the fund, boos and chants of “shame” erupted from the audience. Commissioner Ken Hagan reminded attendees that law enforcement could remove anyone disrupting the meeting. The emotional reaction from the crowd reflected the depth of concern many residents feel about the county’s housing situation.
