Federal updates
- Lawmakers are engaging in informal talks about a potential reconciliation package that would include key priorities on the Democrats’ legislative agenda. Senator Schumer called the talks “preliminary” and no one is sharing details. A lot of the effort will be dedicated to determining what issues will garner support from everyone in the party, particularly Senators Manchin and Sinema. Senator Manchin reiterated that his priorities are combating inflation and reducing the deficit. When asked directly about the status of housing investments in a future package, Manchin and other democrats have been noncommittal, saying that if they move forward with a package, it’s going to be significantly slimmer than Build Back Better.
State updates
- There are no new updates from Congress on the LIFELINE Act and, if it doesn’t pass, North Carolina will need to designate $50-60 million for the Workforce Housing Loan Program (WHLP) to activate what was previously allocated from State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds on top of an additional $40 million for the current cycle.
- Early voting for North Carolina’s primaries opened over the weekend and runs through May 14 ahead of election day on May 17. Voters can register to vote in-person and cast a ballot at any open early voting location in their county. Voter turnout is strong so far: As early voting begins in NC’s 2022 primary election, tens of thousands cast ballots | News & Observer
- NCCU basketball coach Levelle Moton is teaming up with a group of developers to build an affordable, 17-home subdivision on Lane Street. The homes will be available to people earning between 50-80% of the area median income. The City of Raleigh held a dedication for Coach Moton over the weekend and re-named a park in his honor: Raleigh creating hundreds of new affordable housing options | WRAL
- Durham’s Mayor Elaine O’Neal is encouraging the city to purchase property that can be used to provide affordable housing for its residents: ‘Affordable housing is a basic human right’: Durham nonprofit welcomes mayor’s proposal to ease crisis | Spectrum News 1
- After hearing from candidates for council, more than 100 demonstrators in Cary marched to the early voting polls in a two-part effort to get out the vote and also drum up support for a Penny for Housing plan proposed for the town. One Wake organized the event: One Wake walks to polls, advocates for affordable housing in Cary | ABC 11
- Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved a loan to Wallick Communities who plans to develop 72 affordable apartments with 1-, 2-, and 3-bedrooms. The community, called Oak View, will be available to households earning 60% of the Area Median Income and below: Chatham County approves loan to affordable housing developer for 72 units | Chatham News & Record
- Plans for a senior apartment complex in Ogden are moving forward nearly two years after New Hanover officials rezoned land for the apartments. Residence at Canopy Pointe apartments will be priced for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income and geared toward those over 55: A new approach to cheaper senior housing: tax credits and annexation | StarNews Online
Reminder
We will not have a Housing Call next week (5/10). We look forward to seeing you virtually at our Bringing It Home: Ending Homelessness in NC conference on May 10-11!
Reports, events, resources
- Interactive story: With piles of cash, big investors become NC’s top rental-home landlords | Charlotte Observer
- Webinar: Opportunity Starts at Home is hosting How Multi-sector Partnerships Advance Racial Equity through a Housing Campaign, Wednesday, 5/4 @ 3pm
- White paper: The Economic Challenge for the Rent Guidelines Board: Preserving Affordable Rent Stabilized Housing for the Long Run | NYU Furman Center
- In case you missed it: Fixer Upper Book Talk with Jenny Schuetz and NYU Furman Center event recording
- The Policymaking Implications Of Record-High Mortgage Origination Profits During The Pandemic | Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
- Homeowner Groups Seek to Stop Investors From Buying Houses to Rent | Wall Street Journal
- Federal Funding, Local Impact: Shared Equity as a Housing Solution | HUD User PD&R Edge
- Housing shortage, soaring rents squeeze US college students | Associated Press
- Buy or Rent? The Decision Has Never Been Harder as Cost Gap Narrows | Bloomberg
- Understanding Housing Inventory and What It Means for You | U.S. & World Report News
- Here are some important things to know about your tenant rights in North Carolina | Charlotte Observer
