Policy Update 11-30-22 – North Carolina Housing Coalition

NCHC Updates

NCHC launches new down payment assistance program
The North Carolina Housing Coalition is administering a new Homeownership Assistance Program through the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR). The program launched earlier this month and assists first-time and first-generation homebuyers with up to $30,000 in down payment assistance and up to 5% in closing cost assistance. The program will serve households with low-to moderate-incomes in 16 counties that were most impacted and distressed by hurricanes Matthew and Florence.

Now is the time to renew your NCHC membership
Invest in your community with us! Housing is a human right and your membership renewal today ensures more North Carolinians can access homes to live in with dignity and opportunity. Learn more about some changes coming in 2023.

Federal Updates

Budget negotiations are underway with Dec. 16 deadline approaching
Negotiations over a final fiscal year (FY) 2023 spending bill picked up last week among Appropriations Committee members. Congress has until December 16 to enact a final FY23 bill or pass another continuing resolution to keep the federal government funded. Talks had been delayed due to the midterm elections, but are starting to resume. Senate Appropriations Chair Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said Monday that he floated a topline number for the spending bill and met with his counterpart, Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) on Monday night for further discussions. However, lawmakers are on a tight timeline to reach agreement in the next few weeks.

In addition to finalizing an FY23 omnibus, members of Congress are hoping to pass an end-of-the-year tax extenders package that may include an expansion of and reforms to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).

Congress prepares for leadership elections in the House
With the midterm election (mostly) over, lawmakers in Congress are now focused on leadership elections, including for Speaker of the House as well as key committees. There are also some leadership changes proposed in the Senate, with some previous members in leadership switching to other roles.

HUD announces first Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee
HUD is launching the committee to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship between HUD and Tribal communities, coordinate policy across all HUD programs, and advise on the housing priorities of the American Indian and Alaska Native peoples.

State Updates

N.C. agencies seek public comment on regional resilience portfolios
Comments are needed on draft regional resilience portfolios by Tuesday Dec, 5. Regional resilience portfolios are created in partnership with N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency, N.C. Rural Center and the N.C. Council of Governments, along with each of the nine regional councils of governments to help regions across the state plan for the impacts of climate change. There are 9 regional portfolios to be commented on, and housing and community infrastructure are mentioned in several.

Local Updates

Greensboro foundation raises $27M for affordable housing
The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro raised $27 million dollars to fund a workforce housing project. The organization plans to erect between 900-1,100 affordable housing units around east Greensboro, specifically in Random Woods, Kings Forest, Glenwood, Dudley Heights and Mill District.

Durham begins revitalization of Liberty Street Apartments
Demolition began on Liberty Street Apartments in Durham, which is part of the city Housing Authority’s downtown and neighborhood revitalization plan to create more affordable housing. In its place, construction of the Elizabeth Street Apartments will begin early 2023 and offer 72 affordable family units. All former residents will have the choice to return to the newly constructed apartments.

Wake County appropriates $35M in ARPA funds for affordable housing
The Wake County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to appropriate $35 million from the county’s existing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address housing instability. This appropriation was possible because of the U.S. Treasury Department’s recent adjustments to ARPA guidelines in an effort to spur the development of more affordable housing at a time of rising rents.

Chapel Hill funds apartments for households earning 30% AMI
The Chapel Hill Town Council unanimously approved a new funding plan for affordable housing at its meeting earlier this month, which included a new project called the PEACH Apartments. The apartments will have 10 units available for households earning at or below 30 percent of the Area Median Income.

Events

[in-person] MHO 2022 Homecoming | Mountain Housing Opportunities, 12/1, 4-6pm, Highland Brewing Company. RSVP here.
[virtual] Keeping the (Decarbonized) Lights On: US Housing, Equity, and the Energy Transition | Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, 12/2, 12:15pm
[virtual] What Is the Future of Loss Mitigation? | Urban Institute, 12/5, 12-2pm
[virtual] Toward New Narratives About Aging in Place | Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, 12/8, 12pm