Guest Speaker
Hudson Vaughan on the recently released Analysis of NC’s Proposed “Property Tax Cap”
This November, NC voters will choose whether to amend the state Constitution to require the state legislature to pass a levy limit, which would cap increases in overall property tax revenue for local governments. About a week and a half ago, the Coalition released an analysis of this proposed property tax cap. We spoke with the lead author of the report, Director of the Community Justice Collaborative Hudson Vaughan.
Federal Updates
Congress Passes Continuing Resolution That Includes Housing and Homelessness Funds
Last Tuesday, the House overwhelmingly approved the Senate’s stopgap spending bill (Continuing Resolution) to keep the government funded through December 11 (after the election). As we head into the midterm election season, legislators overwhelmingly share a bipartisan desire to avoid a government shutdown. They fast-tracked the bill using a method that requires ⅔ support to pass. The Continuing Resolution authorizes HUD to use unobligated funds to prevent shortfalls in core Housing Choice Voucher renewals and extends the availability of homelessness assistance grant funding (e.g. CoC and ESG) through FY27. It also authorizes HUD to use tenant protection vouchers to support households with expiring Emergency Housing vouchers and authorizes nearly $6.3 million in competitive funding through FY 29, to forgive or restructure flexible subsidy (Flex Sub) loans for small, non-profit owned affordable housing properties.
The Statute of Limitations Under the Fair Housing Act as Applied to Design and Construction Cases
State Updates
NCHFA Announces 2026 LIHTC Awards
In late August, the NC Housing Finance Agency officially announced 2026 Low Income Housing Tax Credit Awards. Federal tax credits and other financing awarded in 2026 will build more than $1.46 billion in affordable apartments in North Carolina. The work is expected to support 21,000 jobs and generate $92.5 million in state and local tax revenue. The funding awarded to 53 future developments will produce 4,888 privately owned and managed affordable apartments. These include 3,327 apartments for families and 1,561 for seniors. At least 488 of the apartments will be targeted for people with disabilities.
North Carolina to Gain $1.46 Billion in Affordable Housing Development | NCSHA
2026 Legislative Session Summary Now Available
Our summary of the 2026 short legislative session is now available. The short session has been far from uneventful, and major themes included property taxes and constitutional amendments, historic land use reform with cross-sector coalitions, the spread of misinformation around taxes and criminalization of the homeless, and of course the journey to finally passing a state budget. Read our full legislative summary now.
Disaster Recovery: FEMA Announces Additional $137 Million for North Carolina Recovery
Includes $16.8 million to the Hendersonville Affordable Housing Corporation for repairs to Lincoln Circle and Robinson Terrace housing units.
Local Headlines
The poorest in the US can’t find housing even as low-income units sit empty | ABC News
Labor Day 2026: North Carolina ranks best for business economy, dead last for workers | NC Newsline
Boone affordable housing development to get $11.4 million from state | Watauga Democrat
Buncombe voters will decide whether to authorize $70M in bonds | 828 News NOW
Lenoir plans to turn vacant city land into affordable homes | Caldwell County | The Paper
Charlotte continues to build affordable housing but leaders say more can be done | WCNC
Developer plans $343M ‘tribute’ to Durham’s Hayti community with nearly 1,000 housing units | CBS 17
33 people move from Raleigh encampment into housing | WRAL
Jones County accepting applications for urgent home repair program | Neuse News
$25 million in federal funding will revitalize Trent Court apartments in New Bern | Public Radio East
Reports & Resources
How Changing Veterans Affairs Refinancing Terms Could Help Make Housing More Affordable | Urban Institute
Events
How to Speak at City Council Training Thursday, September 10, 6:30pm – 8:00pm, McPherson Residence Inn Marriott, 1108 W Main St, Durham
Join CITYBUILDER and Yes! In My Triangle for this free training to learn how to speak at City Council and public meetings. Participants will be joined by local leaders and advocates, as well as the Duke University Improv team. This training is free and open to the public, but registration is limited. Please register at the link.
UNC School of Government – Upcoming Community Development Courses
- Affordable Housing Seminar: Tools, Strategies, and Case Studies for Local Government Leadership, October 9, 2026 in Chapel Hill. Open to professionals and elected officials, Course cost: $245
- Legislative Update: Planning and Development Regulation October 28, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Zoom. $150 registration fee.
This Legislative Update will explore the details of the new laws and the practical implications for local government officials. School of Government faculty members Jim Joyce, Adam Lovelady, and Taylor Morris will guide participants through the long list of changes.
Topics include:
- End of Parking Minimum Standards
- Changes to Home Occupation and Residential Accessory Use Rules
- Newly-Created Buildings Codes & Interpretations Bureau
- Mandatory Allowance for Accessory Dwelling Units in Many Cities
- And more
HOPE NC’s 5th Annual Inclusive Housing Summit | Monday, November 9th, 2026, 8am – 4pm at The Friday Conference Center in Chapel Hill. Register here – $50 for Individual community members, self-advocates or caregivers & $100 for professionals.
