This Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice examines policies, practices, and local socioeconomic and housing market conditions and trends that may affect the ability of Marion County residents to choose housing in both Marion County (County) and the City of Ocala (City).

Fair housing choice is a foundational value in Marion County, City of Ocala, and the Ocala Housing Authority. In accordance with federal regulations, the Community Entities has conducted a comprehensive Countywide Assessment of Fair Housing (AI Study) and has produced a report of the findings along with a set of recommendations.

The primary purpose of this report is to inform the development of the next Five Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan and to guide the use of federal HOME Program and CDBG Program funds. HUD requires that the goals identified in this report must include the strategies and actions of the Consolidated Plan, the Annual Action Plan, the Public Housing Plan (PHA), and the Capital Fund Plan, and community development decision making. Given the strong correlation between Fair Housing issues and affordable housing issues, the data contained herein will offer great value for other public planning efforts.

The Analysis of Impediments will be used as a catalyst for the City, County, and Ocala Housing Authority to develop and implement a Fair Housing Plan. The Fair Housing Plan lists action items that will be implemented in order to curtail and eliminate the impediments identified in the Analysis.