City of Charlotte Hosts Housing and Jobs Summit
On January 9 & 10, the City of Charlotte hosted, "Future of Charlotte: Housing and Jobs Summit." The two-day event featured various “subject matter expert” speakers and panelists.
Day one was held at the BoPlex and included a series of presentations that discussed the challenges associated with providing housing and creating jobs. Click here to access the presentations and video.
Day two was held at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center and included facilitated exercises among Charlotte City Council members who were split into working groups. The day concluded with a presentation of priorities by the working groups that will be further considered when the City Council holds its retreat later in the month. Some of the priority items include:
- Streamline and overhaul local regulations related to the development process to enhance housing affordability
- Mitigate landlord risk to encourage the acceptance of vouchers
- Increase Housing Bond to $100 million (currently at $50 million)
- Acquire land and utilize the land trust model to develop a similar program
- Preserve and improve Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH)
- Expand those who may benefit from the Homestead Act exemption (increase income allowed and lower age)
- Expand down payment assistance opportunities
- Re-entry housing program (program for ex-offenders)
- Partner with Habitat for Humanity on construction job program
Click here to watch the video of the Day Two meeting.