About The Task Force
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings’ Housing for All Task Force launched and prioritized short and long-term solutions to address the affordable housing crisis in Orange County. The effort took the prior work from Orange County’s 2018 Regional Affordable Housing Initiative, analyzed the recommendations so they could be put into action.
The Task Force reexamined the current state of housing with specific focus on the needs of Orange County residents and the necessary partnerships of developers, nonprofits, financial institutions and jurisdictions to help sustain and accommodate the County’s growing population. The initiative’s launch was a main priority for Mayor Demings and coincided with his first 100 days in office.
“Now is the time to roll our sleeves up, take the research and information we’ve obtained through our regional dialogue and implement specific changes to tackle our local housing needs,” said Mayor Demings. “The recommendations from the Housing for All Task Force will help Orange County create public-private partnerships to increase the supply of affordable housing throughout all areas of our community.”
LIFT Orlando Chief Operating Officer Terry Prather and The Keewin Real Property Company owner Allan Keen served as co-chairs of the Housing for All Task Force. Together, they led the 38-member group, which included three sub-committees consisting of representatives from all six Orange County districts, leaders from a diverse group of non-profit organizations and major employers, local builders, real estate developer associations, community partners and financial institutions.
The Task Force completed its finalized action plan in Nov. 2019 that was accepted by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.