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Lakeland Housing Authority Releases 2025 Annual Report Highlighting Record Performance, Housing Expansion, and National Recognition

Lakeland, Florida — 02.25.2026

The Lakeland Housing Authority (LHA) has released its 2025 Annual Report, showcasing a year defined by exceptional operational performance, strategic housing expansion, and continued investment in the residents of Lakeland and Polk County.

The 36-page report details measurable progress across housing programs, affordable housing development, financial stewardship, and community empowerment initiatives.

Record Performance and Housing Stability

In 2025, Lakeland Housing Authority maintained a 99% average occupancy rate across its housing portfolio, reflecting both high demand and strong property management performance.

The agency:

• Provided Section 8 rental assistance to 1,746 families

• Administered over $16.5 million in rental assistance

• Maintained a 12th consecutive year HUD High Performer designation

• Earned a 100% SEMAP score for its Housing Choice Voucher program

An independent third-party audit reported no findings or questioned costs, reinforcing LHA’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency.

$211 Million in Affordable Housing Development Pipeline

Lakeland Housing Authority continues to expand access to affordable housing through a robust development strategy totaling approximately $211 million in active and planned projects.

Major initiatives include:

• Twin Lakes Estates Phase III (92 new units – construction beginning 2026)

• 10th Street Development (100 new units)

• Combee Road Development (100 new units)

• Renaissance at Washington Ridge rehabilitation efforts

• RAD conversions to preserve long-term affordability

These projects support LHA’s long-term goal of increasing affordable housing inventory by at least 50 percent.

Empowering Families Through Homeownership

Through West Lake Realty and its Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program:

• 5 first-time homebuyers closed on homes in 2025

• 3 buyers received $50,000 in down payment assistance

• 4 Section 8 families have transitioned to homeownership since 2023

• 11 former public housing families have become homeowners in the last decade

President and CEO Benjamin Stevenson noted:

“We are extremely proud of our public housing homeownership program. Our mission goes beyond housing — we create pathways to stability, independence, and generational opportunity.”

YouthBuild Lakeland: Transforming Young Lives

YouthBuild Lakeland graduated 52 students in 2025, its largest class to date, with participants earning diplomas, construction certifications, and employment opportunities across Polk County.

The program operates under a $1.3 million U.S. Department of Labor grant, with additional support from CareerSource Polk.

Investing in People and Community

Additional highlights include:

• 6,213 maintenance work orders completed

• $3.2 million awarded in procurement contracts

• 23% of contracts awarded to MBE/Section 3 businesses

• 14 new hires in 2025

• Increased retirement benefits for employees

• Expanded fiber optic internet access at six properties

A Vision for 2030

Lakeland Housing Authority’s long-term vision includes:

• Transitioning public housing through the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program

• Strengthening long-term financial sustainability

• Expanding mixed-income communities

• Continuing national recognition for operational excellence

Chairman David Samples stated:

“Our mission remains clear: to provide quality, affordable housing and meaningful self-sufficiency opportunities in an effective and professional manner. We are proud of our accomplishments and energized by what lies ahead.”

About Lakeland Housing Authority

Lakeland Housing Authority provides quality, affordable housing and self-sufficiency opportunities to families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities in Lakeland and Polk County, Florida. Through public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, development partnerships, and supportive programs, LHA creates communities — one life at a time.

For more information or to view the full 2025 Annual Report, visit: www.lakelandhousing.org

You can download the Report from the Link Below, or read online: Access Annual Report Online

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