The Palm Beach County Department of Housing & Economic Development (HED) has received the 2026 Planning Excellence Award from the American Planning Association (APA) in recognition of the County's innovative Housing Bond Loan Program. The national award honors planning initiatives that demonstrate innovation, measurable impact, and effective solutions to community challenges. The Housing Bond Loan Program was recognized for its planning-centered approach to expanding affordable and workforce housing opportunities throughout Palm Beach County.

"Palm Beach County's Housing Bond Loan Program demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together to invest in its future," said Samantha Castro, AICP, 2026 APA National Planning Awards jury chair. "Voters chose to make a significant public investment in housing, recognizing that affordability is essential to the stability and well-being of the community. This program shows how planning can turn that commitment into meaningful action."

Approved by Palm Beach County voters in 2022 through a $200 million housing bond referendum, the program was created to address growing housing affordability challenges. Using a data-driven planning framework, the program prioritizes housing developments located near transit, employment centers, schools, and essential services to maximize community benefit and expand access to opportunity.

To date, more than $160 million in bond loans have been approved, supporting 21 housing developments and more than 2,500 affordable and workforce housing units. The program has also leveraged more than $1 billion in total development investment, generating nearly six dollars in additional investment for every dollar of County funding. "This national recognition validates Palm Beach County's commitment to using strategic planning to address one of the most critical issues facing our community," said Joseph Abruzzo, Palm Beach County Administrator. "The Housing Bond Loan Program demonstrates how thoughtful planning, collaboration, and public investment can create meaningful housing opportunities for current and future residents."

The award-winning program serves households earning up to 140 percent of Area Median Income, including seniors, working families, essential workers, and residents with extremely low incomes. Through collaboration with municipalities, housing advocates, developers, employers, and community organizations, the County has aligned housing investments with broader economic development and quality-of-life goals. "The Housing Bond Loan Program reflects the County's dedication to creating sustainable housing solutions that strengthen communities and improve quality of life," said Jeff Bolton, Housing Bond Administrator. "We are honored to receive this recognition from the American Planning Association and grateful to our partners, stakeholders, and residents who made this achievement possible."

Key partners in developing and advancing the program include the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners; the Palm Beach County Departments of Housing & Economic Development and Financial Management & Budget; the Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County; and the Economic Council of Palm Beach County.

For more information about the Housing Bond Loan Program, call 561-233-3600.

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