CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte City Council will dig into housing issues during its April 8 meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. 4th St.
Mayor Vi Lyles will present a proclamation observing April 2024 as Fair Housing Month.
The council will hold a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Action Plan for Housing and Community Development. The plan is required to receive federal funding, which may total $13.2 million for the city in fiscal year 2025. This will flow through four federal programs: Community Development Block Grant ($5.6 million), HOME INvestment Partnerships Grant ($3.5 million), Emergency Solution Grants ($494,529) and Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS ($3.7 million).
An executive summary of the plan outlines seven goals:
• Provide opportunities for homeownership.
• Improve existing housing stock.
• Increase neighborhood sustainability.
• Provide Temporary rental assistance.
• Provide programs to support persons with HIV/AIDS.
• Assist households in crisis.
• Increase the supply of affordable rental housing.
“Inflation is present, and the City of Charlotte and the rest of the nation are recovering from a worldwide pandemic,” according to the executive summary. “Pandemic response measures have created a high demand for housing in the rental and purchase market. The combination of rising prices and inadequate wages makes it very challenging for many households to rent or buy affordable housing, especially those with incomes below 80% of the area median income.
“In response to these challenges, the City of Charlotte remains committed to leveraging federal and local resources to increase affordable housing and economic opportunities. City leaders share a vision with the community of an increasingly equitable city that offers a range of housing options in areas of high opportunity. The city is steadfast in its commitment to providing resources aimed at protecting and supporting Charlotte’s most vulnerable populations.”
The council will also consider renewing its participation in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Regional Housing Consortium for HOME Investment Partnerships program from 2024 to 2027. This consortium includes Mecklenburg County’s other towns and allows these communities to receive federal funding for affordable housing.
Prior to the 6:30 p.m. meeting, the council will hold an action review to discuss details of the meeting, as well as discuss the aviation budget and affordable housing funding recommendations.
