Laying the foundation for attainable housing
The City of Port St. Lucie is taking a comprehensive approach to addressing housing needs across the community. Recent initiatives focus on increasing attainable housing options, supporting first-time homebuyers and assisting residents facing housing instability.
• In June, City Council approved the mission, vision and guidelines for the Essential Attainable Housing Incentive Program, advancing efforts to expand housing options for Port St. Lucie’ s workforce and essential workers. City staff is now refining the program’ s tools and incentives, with additional details expected to return to Council in early 2026.
• The City of Port St. Lucie partnered with the Community Land Trust of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast to launch a new Homebuyer Assistance Program for first-time buyers. Funded by $ 100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act dollars, the program helped four qualified residents purchase their first homes while ensuring long-term affordability through the Community Land Trust model. The City is exploring opportunities to expand similar programs to further support accessible homeownership in the community.
• The City partnered with the Continuum of Care and the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council to complete the final phase of the Emergency Rental Assistance 2( ERA2) program, using $ 400,000 in grant funding to assist individuals experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk in Port St. Lucie. Completed Sept. 30, the Rapid Rehousing program provided rental assistance and supportive services to help participants transition into stable, permanent housing.
Keeping water safe and residents informed
The safety and quality of drinking water is the top priority for the City of Port St. Lucie Utility Systems Department. While the City’ s drinking water meets or exceeds federal and state safety guidelines, as part of new federal requirements under the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’ s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions and Improvements the Utility Systems Department took steps to reduce any potential lead exposure in drinking water.
Staff inspected thousands of service lines in homes across the City. The USD developed a Service Line Material Map, giving residents an easy way to check the type of pipes connected to their homes.
To date, no lead has been found in service lines in Port St. Lucie’ s system.
2025 City Manager’ s Annual Report | 35