Organizational Updates
Participate in Our 2027-2028 Policy Agenda Development
In preparation for next year’s long state legislative session, the NC Housing Coalition is developing our 2027-2028 Policy Agenda, and we need your input. Every two years, we consult our membership across the housing ecosystem–from homelessness services to affordable housing development–in order to build a robust, high-impact policy agenda that addresses housing Supply, Subsidy, Stability, and Systems in North Carolina. This policy agenda will guide our state legislative advocacy for the next two years, which is why it is critical to get your perspective and expertise. Share your input for our 2027-2028 Policy Agenda by July 12, and be on the lookout for more updates as we develop our legislative priorities with you.
2025 PIT Count: Interview With Dr. Latonya Agard, NC Coalition to End Homelessness
This week, we interviewed Dr. Latonya Agard, Executive Director of the NC Housing Coalition, about the recently released 2025 Point in Time (PIT) Count. Each year, the PIT count captures the number of people experiencing homelessness on a given night in the US. Dr. Agard discusses the 33% increase in homelessness in North Carolina reported in 2025 and what the data can tell us about the effectiveness of homelessness services nationwide.
Bio: Dr. Latonya Agard
Latonya L. Agard, “Dr. A,” comes to NCCEH with a wealth of leadership experience within the faith community, higher education, nonprofits, and mental health. She holds several degrees, including a BS in Chemistry and an MA in English from the University of Alabama, an MDiv from Duke University Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Her work in higher education focused on mentoring first-generation African American students, helping to build their capacity for resilience, and teaching at the University of Alabama, Miles College, Barton College, and Duke Divinity School. As a local pastor and church planter, she has led communities of faith to consider the dynamic relationships between Christian praxis and professions of faith. This transformative work fuels her interest in connecting the tenets of her faith with the practical needs of the communities she works with, which is partly reflected in her work to help establish ONE Wake, an IAF affiliate in Wake County, NC, her job as a case manager for the Support Circle Program for Homeless Families, and her service on nonprofit Boards of Directors.
Integrating her skills, knowledge, and experience, Dr. A broadened her justice work by opening her business, BeSpeak Solutions, Inc. As a North Carolina Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselor Associate and Transformational Specialist, she provides narrative and life-informed mental healthcare, workshops, presentations, and consultant services. In 2021, she joined NCCEH. This collaborative relationship challenged the staff and Board of Directors to redefine its values, and reframe its Mission and Vision under her leadership. Now, as Executive Director, Dr. A continues to lead NCCEH and serve homeless families in North Carolina.
Federal updates
Last Week: THUD Spending Bill Markup Passes Committee With Dangerous Amendment
The House Appropriations committee held a full committee markup and approved the FY 27 Transportation, Housing & Urban Development (THUD) spending bill in a vote of 34-27 on June 3. The proposal includes an 8% cut in funding – over $5.94 Billion less funding – than what was provided for Housing programs in FY26. The markup included the passage of a harmful amendment that would block flow of federal transportation and housing funds to sanctuary cities. Unfortunately, an amendment that would prevent HUD from implementing harmful work requirements was not successful. However, an amendment that makes clear that HUD must continue serving mixed status families passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support. The Senate has not yet released their FY 27 markup schedule. No further updates as of 6/11. Congress is set to leave on a brief recess the evening of June 11, 2026.
State & Legislative Updates
This week is a busy week at the NC General Assembly, between committees considering bills that are both dangerous and promising for our state, here is a summary of the week ahead.
- Senate Bill 889 – Property Tax Reappraisal Moratorium passed the House on Wednesday June 10, 2026. This bill
- Also on Wednesday June 10, 2026 – Senate Agriculture will discuss and vote on HB369 the Parking Lot Reform bill that eliminates parking minimums statewide. Our Policy Director Stephanie Watkins-Cruz is expected to speak in support of the bill on Wednesday morning.
- Leadership pushes back the anticipated timeline for a state budget in North Carolina. Now we are hearing it may not be likely we’ll have a budget by the end of the month. This could change, we will continue to follow this story closely.
Reports, Events, and Resources
[webinar] When College and Housing Collide: Addressing Homelessness Among College Students | co-hosted by Opportunity Starts at Home (OSAH) campaign roundtable members New America and SchoolHouse Connection, June 18 from 3 – 4 pm ET. Learn more and register here.
[webinar] Federal Fair Housing Basics | Justice in Aging, Wednesday, June 24 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET. Learn more and register here.
The National Fair Housing Alliance is hosting their 2026 Conference, “Building the Future We Deserve: Solutions for America’s Fair and Affordable Housing Crisis” from June 27-30 at the Capital Hilton in D.C. Virtual and in person registration options available (registration cost varies). Learn more and register here.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness is hosting their 2026 conference and Capitol Hill Day from July 8-10 in D.C. Standard rate: $985. Learn more and register here.
Charlotte Planners’ Meetup | NC Chapter of the American Planning Association, Thursday, July 9 from 6-8 p.m. at Hopfly Brewing in Southend.
Come network, catch up with colleagues, and hang out with other planners. Open to all planners and related fields.
