Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kissimmee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in development with high priority
Thacker Mixed Use development
A conditional use site plan for the Thacker Mixed Use project is on the committee's docket. Mixed-use projects combine commercial and residential elements, so nearby residents may see construction and changed land use if it advances.
Final plats for new development sites
Three final plats — 1720 Oak Street, a minor site improvement, Poinciana Chiropractic, and Clyde Avenue Replat 2 — are queued for action. Plat approvals are the technical step that lets properties be legally subdivided and developed.
Affordable Housing Fee Deferment Program
An architect told commissioners the city's permitting process has become so expensive and slow that a $16,340 conditional-use application killed a small daycare project downtown, and a $60,000 sprinkler requirement for a 2,000-square-foot building discouraged reuse of vacant commercial space.
Vine Street CRA Master Plan Update
The two redevelopment districts adopted their FY2026-27 budgets — $9.3 million downtown and $8.6 million on Vine Street — funding police officers, the clean team, the Kmart site, walkability studies, murals and grants.
Fortune Road residential development and traffic congestion
A 52.59-acre Fortune Road site was rezoned to a Residential PUD that caps units at 948 instead of the 1,051 otherwise allowed, while giving the developer design flexibility.
Affordable housing under the Live Local Act
The commission approved a resolution backing an affordable housing development consistent with Florida's Live Local Act.
Hilliard Isle Community Development District
A first reading passed to create a CDD over the 451-acre Hilliard Isle mixed-use development, letting the project finance roads and utilities through a special taxing district. A second reading and public process remain ahead.
City-owned vacant land inventory for affordable housing
The state requires cities to review every three years which vacant city lots could be used for affordable housing. One lot sold for ~$165,000 (money earmarked for housing), another at 219 North Randall is getting a $239,000 affordable home with a lottery-based buyer selection, and staff will keep reviewing the ~298-lot master list with committee help.
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee vacancy
Kissimmee's housing committee is one of four statewide chosen for free technical assistance from the Florida Housing Coalition to sharpen its affordable housing policy recommendations. Members agreed to keep the eleven state-required incentives front and center and flagged impact fees, CLTs, and ADUs as key priorities.
Lakeside Fire Station and Durbin Park Community Center
The commission approved extra civil design dollars and a land deal with the school district to keep the fire station and community center projects moving.
Florida Housing Coalition Support Initiative selection
Kissimmee beat out cities across Florida to be one of just four communities getting free expert help reviewing its affordable housing strategies. Members will be surveyed in March, and the Coalition will report findings by June.
Civic Center Demolition Reimbursement for Hotel Development
The CRA will reimburse the hotel developer up to $400,000 to tear down the old Civic Center, clearing the site for the hotel and convention center project approved last August.
Haven on Vine Apartments Upgrades
The city is applying for a $3 million federal loan guarantee to finish converting the old Super 8 motel and adjacent apartments on West Vine Street into Haven on Vine — 43 motel rooms will become studio apartments with emergency beds and support services for people facing homelessness. HUD review takes up to 60 days, and the item returns to the commission after approval.