There are several things we do really well in Sarasota. Driving tourism, engaging the community in important decisions and collaborative partnerships, among others, are on that list. But there is one area in which we have glaringly failed. We continue to fail to provide enough affordable housing for the people of Sarasota.

For far too long, strict regulations have prevented developers from renovating and building apartments and homes in the area. Now, not surprisingly, affordable housing is in short supply. If you are a young, talented entry-level worker earning an annual salary of $35,000, you are hard pressed to find a suitable place to live while also affording utilities, transportation and food, not to mention any discretionary income. That is unacceptable, and it is driving talent away.