Sarasota County launches Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office

March 26, 2025 | Sarasota

Sarasota County has established the Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office (HERO) to oversee the administration of key housing and community development programs, following the expiration of the Interlocal Agreement for the Joint Administration of Housing Programs between Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota on Oct. 1, 2023.

The Sarasota County Office of Financial Management (OFM) now administers several U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) entitlement programs and federal/local loan-based programs, which were previously managed jointly with the City of Sarasota.

Sarasota County is in the planning and information-gathering stage for the Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding. All eligible organizations can submit applications for CDBG and ESG funding to address housing, public service and community development needs for the upcoming fiscal year.

HERO is accepting project applications from organizations and municipalities for funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG).

The application period is now through April 8. Applications must be submitted via the Neighborly Portal here. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.

All interested organizations serving Sarasota County residents must complete the required application to have the project be part of the competitive bidding process for the upcoming fiscal year.

Programs managed by Sarasota County’s HERO Team:

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): This supports neighborhood revitalization, economic development and community facility improvements. Sarasota County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and OFM partner with municipalities, including the City of North Port and the City of Venice, and local nonprofits to allocate these funds. The CDBG program offers interest-free home rehabilitation loans to income-eligible families for essential repairs and improvements.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG): This provides funding to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Sarasota County collaborates with nonprofit organizations to distribute these funds effectively.

Utility Deferred Payment Assistance Program: This offers a 3% interest deferred payment loan to cover capacity and connection fees as well as septic tank abandonment costs for properties required to connect to Sarasota County’s sewer services. Repayment is deferred until the property is sold, transferred, no longer owner-occupied or after 20 years, whichever comes first.

Energy Retrofit Loan Program: This provides loans for energy efficiency upgrades based on recommendations from the “Get Smart Retrofit Loan Program.” While HERO continues to monitor existing loans, the program is not accepting new applications currently.

Sarasota County remains committed to enhancing housing opportunities and strengthening community development initiatives. Residents and business owners are encouraged to take part in the upcoming public input period to help shape the future of these vital programs in Sarasota County.

For more information on HERO programs or to apply, visit the Sarasota County Office of Financial website here, or call 311 or 941-861-5000.