Affordable Housing Site Selection Tool

The WGI GIS team provided analytical support for a public-private partnership project involving a countywide workforce and affordable housing initiative led by the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. Publicly owned properties by all municipalities and government-associated agencies were evaluated for suitability based on cadastral and ancillary data utilizing multiple criteria methods.  

Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s parcel data was queried by ownership, vacant land use, and size. Upon verification of environmental conditions, including preserves, wetlands, and other natural considerations, the process of selection and elimination continued by verifying the existence of construction permits under processing affecting the properties. Additional geographic characteristics were studied, including adjacencies of individual and mixed ownerships to determine clusters, isolation, and distance to business centers. Visual inspection utilizing aerial imagery and input from local experts assisted in determining utility implications such as stormwater retention, detention, wellfield zones, and easements.  

We presented results to stakeholders through web GIS visualizations, applications, and cartographic products, including web maps and dashboards. The dashboard cataloged selections and eliminations by geographic area, ownership, and supporting considerations, validating the datasets and assisting in the client’s decision-making.

Project Highlights:

• Data and Mapping
• Land Use Planning
• Innovation