In our previous roles, we served on a team that developed a Housing Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan for St. Lucie County, Florida, home to municipalities Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie.

Each each of the last two decades, St. Lucie County has been on the list of the country’s fastest growing counties. This spiking demand has led to skyrocketing housing costs and the emergence of a significant affordability crisis. 

Ultimately, in order to address challenges with housing affordability, climate change, environmental preservation, urban sprawl, and the preservation of agricultural lands, the county would need to find a way to bring its two largest communities together under a shared vision for the future. 

To make this project successful, the team of consultants had to focus on wide-ranging engagement efforts, working with a variety of stakeholders, city and county staffs, elected leaders, developers, and community and economic development organizations. Ultimately, the strategic planning process led to a set of recommendations that sought to address issues that were specific to each of the three jurisdictions while also attempting to arrive at consensus and solve regional concerns.