On Oct. 28 the Panama City Commission directed staff to convene a housing workshop and to pursue technical assistance from the Florida Housing Coalition’s catalyst program. Commissioners said they wanted a coordinated review of the city’s Housing & Community Services programs, a full briefing on local housing resources and gaps, and concrete, actionable next steps to increase production or subsidy of affordable housing stock.

Commissioners asked staff to invite local partners — including the Panama City Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Social Services, Doorways, Arc of the Bay, Rebuild Bay, and the ECRC (Emerald Coast Regional Council) — and to include a presentation on existing programs, funding sources, and waiting‑list dynamics. Several commissioners emphasized that the workshop should not simply be informational but should result in recommended steps to identify sites, funding sources and partnerships that can quickly increase usable housing units.

Staff and commissioners discussed timing; the commission approved a December workshop kickoff with follow‑up sessions early next year, and asked staff to seek the Florida Housing Coalition’s participation for technical facilitation. Staff was directed to prepare a short briefing on current Housing & Community Services programs for the commission in advance of the public workshop.

What’s next: Staff will contact the Florida Housing Coalition and local partner organizations to firm dates and topics, prepare a departmental briefing on current programs and funding, and return to commission with a workshop agenda and proposed deliverables.