Linking Water-Dependent Businesses and Affordable Housing

The purpose of this research is to understand the role affordable housing plays in supporting water-dependent industries and how local governments in coastal areas can develop plans and policies to better support their workforce and local economy. This research will lead to a better understanding of housing types for workers in water-dependent industries, the current housing and business needs in select communities in Florida, and how changes in the availability and distribution of affordable workforce housing affect the recovery of water-dependent industries after disasters. Over the course of four years, the research team will analyze property, economic, and demographic data on businesses, neighborhoods, and housing and will survey businesses and their workers to understand their current needs. The team will also track the recovery of housing and businesses after Hurricane Ian to understand how workforce housing affects local economic resilience. Using this data, the team will generate recommendations for planners, community leaders, and local government officials to promote healthy and resilient housing and economic development in coastal communities. Recommendations and research findings will be shared through a combination of research briefs or fact sheets for local communities, academic publications, data visualizations and tables through the Florida Data Clearinghouse, and public webinars with Sea Grant extension agents. This research will primarily benefit communities whose economies include water-dependent industries, with particular relevance to water-dependent businesses and their employees, community planners, local elected officials, and economic development professionals.