Federal Updates
The Federal Shutdown
The longest Federal shutdown to-date is potentially coming to a close. Earlier this week, Senate Republicans won the votes of 7 Democrats and 1 Independent, which gave them the minimum 60 votes needed to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) alongside three FY 2026 spending bills for Agriculture, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch programs. The vote is expected to go before the House tomorrow or Thursday, where it is likely but not guaranteed to pass. (Source: AP News). To be clear, we are still in a government shutdown and full SNAP benefits remain suspended.
What the CR would do:
- Fund federal programs and services funded through January 30, 2026, and includes full-year funding for some agencies such as veterans’ affairs, agricultural programs and military construction.
- Provides legally required backpay for Federal workers (including those who were furloughed) and reverses layoffs that the Trump administration implemented at the start of the shutdown in October.
- States would be reimbursed for money spent to maintain SNAP and WIC programs during the shutdown.
- Full funding for SNAP through September 2026.
What the CR Doesn’t Do:
- Does not extend Affordable Care Act tax credits that expire at the end of the calendar year. Without ACA subsidies, North Carolinians who get insurance on the Marketplace are expected to pay an average of $670 more per year in premiums next year.
- Does not prevent the Trump administration from rescinding previously committed funds.
Advocacy Opportunity from the National Low Income Housing Coalition: Urge your Members of Congress to pass the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act by including the “ROAD to Housing Act” in the National Defense Authorization Act by tomorrow, November 12! The bipartisan Reforming Disaster Recovery Act (RDRA) would permanently authorize HUD’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery CDBG-DR program, which provides flexible grants to help Presidentially-declared disaster areas rebuild affordable housing and other infrastructure, and make critical reforms to ensure a more efficient and equitable disaster recovery.
The RDRA was unanimously passed out of the Senate Banking Committee as part of the “ROAD to Housing Act” (S.2651) and subsequently passed the Senate as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This is the first time in 16 years that the Committee has passed any substantial housing legislation!
Negotiations around the text of the NDAA are occurring right now, including conversations around the “ROAD to Housing Act.” Negotiations are expected to conclude sometime this Wednesday. Take action and tell your Congressmember the ROAD to Housing Act must be included in the NDAA by 11/12!
Other Federal Headlines
CFA and Broad Coalition Oppose FHFA Proposal to Reduce the Affordable Housing Goals | Consumer Federation of America
Which Housing Measures Passed in This Election? | Shelterforce
Senators Propose Potential Agreement to End Record-Breaking Government Shutdown
State Updates
Governor Stein Calls NCGA to Raleigh for Special Session
Governor Stein is calling the General Assembly back for a special session on fully funding Medicaid and reversing provider payment cuts next Monday, November 17. Both the House and the Senate have passed separate plans to fund Medicaid, but have not been able to reach an agreement about some of the funding details. It remains unclear if legislators will take any action when they meet on Monday. The House and Senate have both previously said there will not be any more votes until January. The last time that the Governor of North Carolina called The General Assembly back for a special session was in the wake of Hurricane Florence in 2018.
Upcoming meetings:
The House Select Committee on Involuntary Commitment and Public Safety will meet at the General Assembly (643 LOB) on Thursday, November 13 at 9:30am. Watch it here.
The Governor’s Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery will meet on Friday, November 14, 10:00am – 12:00pm. Agenda items include Recovery Updates, WNC Technical Assistance Partnership for Local Governments, and Cashflow Challenges for Local Governments. The public can register to join the virtual meeting. There will not be an opportunity for public comment, but questions and feedback can be shared at wncrecovery@nc.gov.
The Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operation – Subcommittee on Hurricane Response and Recovery will meet in Greenville, NC at ECU on Thursday, November 20 at 10:00am. Watch it here.
Western NC Recovery Applications
Bridges & Roads Repair accepting applications: Western North Carolina residents in Tropical Storm Helene disaster-declared counties may apply for up to 50 percent reimbursement of any documented private road and bridge repair costs. Residents submit an online reimbursement application form on the North Carolina Emergency Management website and learn more by visiting ncdps.gov/Helene/PRB. Applications are due February 28, 2026.
“Volunteer Organizations Active in Rebuilds” Disaster Grant Program accepting applications: NC Emergency Management is now accepting applications for the second round of its “Volunteer Organizations Active in Rebuilds” Disaster Grant Program. Eligible applicants are volunteer organizations that are actively involved in actual and ongoing repair and reconstruction projects for homeowners affected by Tropical Storm Helene in North Carolina. Initial funding for this notice is anticipated to be $16,000,000. There is no maximum grant request limit, funding will be allocated to maximize the potential capacity needed. The deadline to apply is 5pm on December 11, 2025. For more information and to apply: https://www.ncdps.gov/VOARDGrant
Helene Recovery Headlines
FEMA sends $155M for Helene, disaster projects in western NC counties | NC Newsline
Swannanoa Communities Together continues aiding in housing, medical, food needs | Black Mountain News
‘We’re stuck and we’re scared’: Asheville’s beleaguered renters grapple with mold | Blue Ridge Public Radio
State & Local Headlines
Is This the Time Fayette Place Actually Gets Redeveloped? | INDY Week
Faith communities get deep dive on developing affordable housing | The Triangle Tribune
Community rallies to address affordable housing shortage | The Brunswick Beacon
3 NC cities make top ten rank for converting hotels to apartments, according to latest study | CBS17 (read the full study here)
NC launches focused support teams for people with severe mental illnesses leaving prison | NC Newsline
LGC Approves Over $370 Million in Affordable Housing, Retirement Home Financing | NC Treasurer
Another insurance rate hike sought for rental houses in North Carolina | Island Free Press
Reports, Resources
2025 Fair Housing Trends Report | National Fair Housing Alliance
- The Report reveals that discrimination remains both pervasive and persistent, with 32,000+ fair housing complaints filed in 2024—and more than half of those reported complaints were on the basis of disability.
- But even as discrimination rises, federal support is being withdrawn. Recent HUD firings during the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history and federal funding cuts have left many of NFHA’s partners under-resourced—and several have been forced to close entirely.
- The Trends Report underscores that the fight for fair and affordable housing is far from over, and that the path forward will require collective strength and policy reform.
Why More Housing Is Key to a Thriving Economy | U.S. Chamber of Commerce
HUD FY 2026 FMRs: Weighted-Average Change is 2.8% | Novogradac
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released 2026 FMRs Aug. 22 and they became effective Oct. 1. FMRs represent HUD’s estimate of the 40th percentile rent paid by recent movers and are used to establish payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program as well as other HUD programs. They also have an impact on low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) income limits in areas that have a high housing cost adjustment.
Free Webinars
Advocacy 101 Training | National Alliance to End Homelessness, November 12, 2-3 p.m. Register here.
Untangling Heirs’ Property: Practical Strategies For Housing Counselors | National Community Reinvestment Coalition, November 13, 2-3 p.m. Register here.
Better Together: Community Voices, Hospitals And Banks Advancing Housing & Health | National Community Reinvestment Coalition, November 14 , 1 – 2 pm. Learn more and register here.
NC Women’s Affordable Housing Network Virtual Session: Closing Strong, Opening Clear | November 20 at noon. Learn more and register here. Registration cost: $10.
National Women’s Affordable Housing Network Virtual Session: 2025 Q4 Policy Update | December 2 at noon. Learn more and register here. Cost is $50 for nonmembers, WAHM members receive a discount – be on the lookout for the code in this week’s Breakfast Bites newsletter. Policy updates featuring affordable housing experts Emily Cadik and Jennifer Schwartz.
Events
HOPE NC’s Annual Inclusive Housing Summit | November 17 at the Friday Center in Chapel Hill. Cost: $50 (individual), $100 (professional). Click here to learn more.
2025 Conference for North Carolina’s Nonprofits | NC Center for Nonprofits, November 19-20, 2025 in Research Triangle Park. Early bird registration cost is $265 and will increase to $365 once early bird tickets are sold out. Click here to learn more.
2025 Enterprise Faith-Based Development Initiative Summit (Virtual) | Enterprise Community Partners, December 4 from 12-3:30 p.m. Register here.
NLIHC Housing Policy Forum 2026 | Registration for NLIHC’s Housing Policy Forum 2026 is officially open! Taking place March 10-13 at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., Housing Policy Forum 2026 will feature conversations with key leaders in Congress, as well as an array of other compelling speakers and panelists. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with and learn from thought-leaders, tenant and community leaders, policy experts, researchers, and housing practitioners who will discuss actions needed to protect and expand affordable housing solutions.
