Over 75 residents convened at the Tarboro Road Community Center for a forum aimed at tackling the city's affordable housing crisis and exchanging ideas on how to combat displacement. Panelists highlighted that merely increasing the housing supply is not enough to resolve Raleigh's housing issues. They advocated for policies that not only protect existing communities but also empower those most impacted by urban growth to have a say in the city's future development.

The discussion included calls for heightened public investment in affordable housing, greater participation from developers, the preservation of naturally affordable housing, support for community land trusts, protection for vulnerable homeowners against displacement, and the equitable distribution of growth across the city.

Bob Geary, a member of Livable Raleigh, requested that the panelists assign a grade to the city of Raleigh regarding its performance in affordable housing. Cauthen rated it a D-minus, Omokaiye - D, Taylor - D, Hunter - D, and Ms. Rainey gave a C-minus.

According to Raleigh's Housing Plan, only 408 affordable units will be built each year over the next four years, while around 4,700 affordable units are expected to be lost. The city of Raleigh was in the process of allocating $200 million for an affordable housing bond this year, but only half of that amount will be on the ballot in November, with a vote on $101.5 million. For infill development, Livable Raleigh prioritizes the development of more "missing middle" housing.

Community Convo On affordable housing

Orange County Budget Approved