Okaloosa County and Fort Walton Beach seek engaged resident to join Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and help tackle mounting housing challenges
Okaloosa County, Florida – Leaders in Okaloosa County are inviting residents to step forward and help shape the future of affordable housing in the community.
The Fort Walton Beach City Council and the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners have agreed to choose one person from the community to the Okaloosa County/Fort Walton Beach Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
The County Commission and the City Council also get advice from the committee, which is called AHAC. Its goal is obvious but broad: to look into the state of housing in the area, find out what makes it hard to find cheap housing, and suggest practical changes that could make more housing options available in the area. That effort can include coming up with incentives, looking over policies, and finding ways to get around problems that make it hard for families to find affordable home in their area.
According to section 420.9076 of the Florida Statutes, the advisory group meets at least once every three months. The chosen individual will serve a three-year term that starts immediately. The role is not just a symbol. It is responsible and needs to know how housing choices influence both residents and employers, as well as key workers.
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County officials are currently looking for people who fit into at least one of the categories listed. People who are eligible to run for office could be a citizen who knows a lot about the local planning process, someone who speaks for critical services workers as described in the local housing assistance plan, or someone who speaks for employers in the area. Section 420.9076 of the Florida Statutes and the Board of County Commissioners policy list all of the required qualifications.
If you live in the area and want to serve, please read the Citizen Councils policy and fill out an application form online at the County’s website. You also need to start the background check procedure as part of the application.
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All applications must be turned in by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026. You can send in your entries by email to [email protected] or by mail to BCC Citizen Councils, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100, Shalimar, FL 32579.
Housing affordability continues to be a big problem in many Florida communities. This appointment gives individuals an opportunity to assist shape policy conversations and provide ideas that could affect housing possibilities in Okaloosa County for years to come.
