The Challenge
While Port St. Lucie remains more affordable than many South Florida cities, rising housing costs and property taxes are putting pressure on working families. The median home price has reached approximately $405,000, and with St. Lucie County carrying one of Florida's highest property tax burdens, many residents find themselves stretched thin.
$405K
Median home price in Port St. Lucie (2025)
$2,305
Median monthly rent (December 2025)
21.79
Total millage rate (one of Florida's highest)
The affordability gap: To afford a typical home in Port St. Lucie, buyers need an income of approximately $108,981 per year, while the median household income is $79,804. This gap makes homeownership increasingly difficult for young families and first-time buyers.
Steven's Plan: Small Business Support
Thriving local businesses create jobs, keep money in our community, and reduce the tax burden on residents. As Mayor, I will:
- Expand the Commercial Facade Improvement Grant - Increase funding for business exterior improvements to help local businesses put their best face forward and attract more customers.
- Create a Small Business Navigator Program - Establish a dedicated city office to help entrepreneurs navigate permits, licensing, and city processes—cutting red tape and speeding up time-to-open.
- Partner with the SBDC at Indian River State College - Expand access to free business consulting, training, and technical assistance for PSL entrepreneurs.
- Advocate for County Small Business Grants - Work with St. Lucie County to ensure Port St. Lucie businesses can access grants up to $7,500 for businesses with 10 or fewer employees.
- Launch a "Buy Local PSL" Campaign - Promote local businesses through city channels, events, and a dedicated business directory.
- Streamline Permitting - Implement fast-track permitting for small businesses and restaurants, reducing wait times from months to weeks.
Steven's Plan: Affordable Housing
We need smart housing development that increases affordability without sacrificing quality or overwhelming our infrastructure:
- Incentivize Workforce Housing - Offer density bonuses and fee reductions for developers who include affordable and workforce housing units in new projects.
- Fast-Track Affordable Housing Projects - Prioritize permitting for developments that include units for teachers, first responders, and essential workers.
- Protect Existing Affordable Stock - Work with nonprofits and housing agencies to preserve existing affordable housing units and prevent displacement.
- Support First-Time Homebuyers - Partner with local lenders and housing agencies to create down payment assistance programs for PSL residents.
- Smart Growth Planning - Ensure new development includes necessary infrastructure improvements so growth pays for itself without burdening existing taxpayers.
Steven's Plan: Government Efficiency
Every dollar the city saves is a dollar that stays in residents' pockets:
- Zero-Based Budgeting - Require departments to justify every expense annually, not just request increases.
- Consolidate Purchasing - Partner with St. Lucie County and neighboring cities to negotiate better rates on everything from vehicles to office supplies.
- Performance-Based Contracts - Tie vendor payments to measurable outcomes, ensuring we only pay for results.
- Transparent Spending Dashboard - Create a public online portal showing exactly how taxpayer dollars are spent.
- More Frequent Trash Collection - Improve trash pickup to twice weekly and expand bulk waste collection—better service without raising fees.
Why This Matters
When the cost of living rises faster than wages, working families are forced to make impossible choices. Parents work second jobs instead of spending time with their children. Young professionals leave for more affordable cities. Seniors on fixed incomes struggle to keep their homes.
Port St. Lucie doesn't have to follow that path. By supporting small businesses, encouraging smart development, and running an efficient government, we can keep our city affordable for the people who live here—and attractive to the people we want to join us.
The Bottom Line
As your Mayor, I will treat affordability as a top priority. That means fighting to keep taxes low, removing barriers for local businesses, and ensuring that growth benefits everyone—not just developers. Port St. Lucie should be a place where working families can buy a home, start a business, and build a future.