Public-Private Partnerships Increasing Affordable Housing

 

On September 15, the Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro (HACG) hosted a Strategy Forum for Public/Private Partnerships in Affordable Housing including government agencies, private developers, and affordable housing advocates. The group included state representation from Governor Stein's Office and the North Carolina Housing Coalition (NCHC). Janneke Ratcliffe, Stein's Senior Advisor for Housing Policy and Stephanie Watkins-Cruz NCHC's Director of Housing Policy were instrumental to the robust conversation and contributing state-wide context to the event.

 

The group was designed to provide brief examples of local projects that have been successful in increasing affordable housing across eastern North Carolina and facilitating conversation about successes and constraints for future planning. The projects highlighted included Starway Village in Wilmington, Greenville's 50 in 10 single family initiative, the Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro's past acquisition rehab program, and Habitat for Humanity Goldsboro-Wayne's McNair Heights Neighborhood. While each project highlighted different strategies and funding sources, the goal was similar: to increase affordable housing across respective communities. The projects included in the presentations are well on their way to creating nearly 400 units of multifamily housing and 85-90 single-family homes.

 

Michele Wiggins, Chief Executive Officer for HACG, moderated the discussion. "It was wonderful to see the collaboration from many sides of the affordable housing issue. This work can be incredibly challenging and time-consuming, but openly talking about the fabric of success and overcoming shared challenges was uplifting and motivating. I am looking forward to continued success in increasing affordable housing options in the future."

 

Many of the successes shared involved partnerships of various kinds from funding to supportive services to champions. Rachel Schuler, Director of Community Building for the City of Wilmington, described the collaboration between city, county, and state government that contributed to the success of Starway Village. She explained, "The project opened up new opportunities for the community and demonstrated what can truly be achieved when everyone is working together. As residents settle into their new homes, the community will feel the positive impacts for generations to come."

 

Janneke Ratcliffe was complimentary of the structure of the event. "It was truly inspiring to see how these innovative housing leaders bring together commitment, partnership, and creativity to tackle housing challenges and strengthen communities. As we work to create and preserve more homes that more North Carolinians can afford, their examples offer valuable insights and motivation for what's possible."

 

For more information or questions regarding the event or future development at HACG, please email Michele Wiggins at mwiggins@hacg.org.