The meeting’s most pressing topic was the need for workforce housing in Islamorada. A participant highlighted the dire impact of insufficient housing on public safety, noting the scenario where only a few fire personnel might be able to respond to emergencies due to long commutes. This concern underscored the broader implications of the housing crisis, which could jeopardize the town’s viability if not addressed. The participant stressed the necessity of creative solutions for housing, such as integrating workforce housing with commercial developments. They suggested constructing housing above businesses, a model successfully implemented in other regions like Jack’s Beach and Dunedin. However, parking regulations posed a challenge to this proposal, revealing a critical debate over balancing commercial needs with housing solutions.

Affordable housing was another focal point, with general consensus on the unmet demand within the community. One speaker pointed out the issue of increased commuting by workers, noting that towns fail if they cannot learn to be self-sufficient. This sentiment drew parallels to other island communities facing similar challenges. The distinction between affordable housing and workforce housing was also discussed, with emphasis placed on the importance of local programs to address the specific needs of local workers such as teachers and emergency responders.

The council also received presentations from several consulting firms vying to assist with the comprehensive plan update. Jason King from Able City East LLC emphasized his firm’s specialization in planning for island communities. King drew from his past experiences, such as creating a historic district in Monroe County, and stressed the importance of resilience and adapting to changing environmental conditions. He noted the unique perspective of their firm as designers first, capable of producing both high-level comprehensive plans and detailed master plans.

Another presenter, Sylvia Vargas from Calvin Giordano and Associates, detailed her firm’s qualifications and their multi-disciplinary approach to planning. Vargas emphasized their strong reputation for responsiveness and problem-solving, often being called in to rectify issues other firms have mishandled. Carla Ibach, a certified planner with extensive experience, discussed the integration of climate and community resilience into their projects, aligning their work with existing sustainability plans in Islamorada.

The council’s decision-making process was thorough, reflecting varying perspectives on the ideal candidate for the comprehensive plan update. Some members favored larger firms like Calvin Giordano for their extensive resources and experience, while others leaned towards smaller, more flexible firms like Able City East. The importance of continuity between the comprehensive plan and the Land Development Regulations (LDRs) was a significant consideration, with some candidates proposing timelines deemed too lengthy for urgent needs.

Public comments played a role in the decision-making process. Residents expressed appreciation for the transparency of the council’s deliberations and the opportunity to be informed about the available talent. Deb Gillis and Don Horton, members of the public, suggested that the council wait until the next meeting to make a decision, advocating for a more thorough consideration of the presentations. Horton emphasized the need to address affordable housing and traffic issues.

Ultimately, the council decided to move forward with a vote rather than delaying. The motion to select Calvin Giordano and Associates was approved with four members in favor and one against, at a not-to-exceed price of $151,600. The council emphasized the importance of this decision for the community’s future, acknowledging the need for careful consideration and effective project management.