Unfortunately, we were unable to record today’s Housing Call. Please see today’s notes for the details of everything we discussed.
Federal updates
Discussions are picking up on a potential reconciliation package in Congress. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Joe Manchin met twice last week to discuss the package, while Senator Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also met with President Biden on Wednesday. Senators are not sharing details publicly to avoid a breakdown in negotiations. However, it appears that talks are getting more specific, and Senator Schumer’s team has engaged the Senate parliamentarian to help prepare for a possible July or August vote.
Any bill put forward this summer would be significantly scaled back from last year’s Build Back Better Act. Priorities are on lowering drug costs, reducing the deficit, raising taxes on the wealthy and boosting energy sources.
State updates
- NCGA leaders are fast-tracking the budget process and expect to finish in the next few weeks so they can adjourn the session by July, as planned. As lawmakers enter the final stages of negotiations, there is general support for state employee and teacher raises, as well as tax cuts for NC residents. The Coalition has been meeting with lawmakers to advocate for increased funding levels for housing in the budget. Now is the time to reach out to your North Carolina senators and representatives to let them know you support investments in affordable housing.
- 30 local governments in rural areas across the state have been awarded grants from the Rural Transformation Grant Fund, a new source of support for rural economic development projects in North Carolina funded by the federal American Rescue Plan. A total of $20.1 million will be issued in this first round of grantmaking from the Fund. Local governments received grants for activities related to downtown revitalization, resilient neighborhoods, and community enhancements. A list of recipient awards can be found here: Rural Communities Awarded American Rescue Plan Transformation Grants to Boost Local Economies | NC Governor Press Release
- Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle and Greensboro native DJ Reader purchased three lots in south Greensboro with plans to build low-cost homes. By partnering with developers, including Habitat for Humanity, Reader hopes to help alleviate the ongoing housing crisis: NFL player DJ Reader investing in affordable housing in Greensboro | Fox 8
- Residents of Durham’s historic Hayti community told the Durham Housing Authority a second time last week that they aren’t being heard in plans to redevelop the former Fayette Place property south of downtown: Will Durham residents’ concerns send Fayette Place project back to the drawing board? | News and Observer
- The City of Winston-Salem’s Housing Authority has a rent-to-own program, which helps residents become first-time homebuyers by eventually purchasing their rental homes: City of Winston-Salem Housing Authority helps in affordable housing crisis | Spectrum News 1
- Dare County announced plans to develop approximately 100 essential worker housing units in Nags Head and on Roanoke Island. The County is contributing up to $9 million in funds toward the project: Dare County to build essential housing in OBX towns for workers, families | CBS 17
- Watauga Housing Council is beginning a process to create an affordable housing plan. The task force met for the first time last week to map out the process. Dozens of local residents, community leaders, and stakeholders participated both in-person and virtually: Watauga Housing Council begins process to create affordable housing plan | WFDD
- A 180-unit, $28.7 million affordable housing complex south of Greenville’s Medical District is set to break ground this fall. The apartments will be available for rent by households earning 60% or less than the county’s area median income: Greenville affordable housing complex expected to break ground this fall | Reflector
Reports, events, resources
- In-person event: The City of Wilmington is hosting an Affordable Lending Fair. Attendees can connect directly with lenders to learn about affordable loans and down payment assistance programs. Sat, June 25th at the MLK Center, 401 S. 8th Street from 11am – 2pm.
- Webinar series: The City of Wilmington Community Development and Housing Department (CDAH) is hosting a series of webinars on homeownership education topics, including the pre-qualification process, credit, insurance, etc. Tuesdays and Thursdays in June, 12pm – 1pm. Registration is required.
- TOMORROW (Wed) Virtual event: Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies presents The State of the Nation’s Housing 2022, Wed, 6/22 @ 4pm. Register to attend.
- Interactive series on systemic racism in housing: Race and Housing: The Path Forward | Axios
- Report: Housing On The Ballot: How to Organize a Successful Ballot Measure Campaign for Affordable Homes | NLIHC
- Report: Home Repairs and Updates Pose Considerable Burdens For Lower-Income Homeowners | Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
- Report: Short-Term Benefits of Emergency Rental Assistance Extend Beyond Housing | Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
- How Houston Moved 25,000 People From the Streets into Homes of Their Own | New York Times
- Housing market slows retreat from rising seas, bigger storms | CBS 17
- Rent Too High for College Students; NC State Housing Waitlist Grows | CBS 17
